‘Chess has helped me grow’

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: On the year that went by: 2004 has been the best year for me in terms of results. I won the Corsica Masters title for the fifth consecutive year and also my Mainz Chess Classic victory was the fourth in a row. I would rate my victories in Sao Paolo, Monte Carlo Rapid and Estonia as the highlights in my career last year.

The chess scene in India: The chess scene in India today is entirely different from how it was, when I started playing. To get sponsors or forex sanctions for overseas travel is no big issue these days.

During my early days, we had to wait for days on end for books from Yugoslavia. Kids today have an advantage in terms of exposure to the game through books and internet.

Chess whizkids in India: Chess has become a highly competitive sport these days. The average age of kids participating in competitions has been dropping consistently. The ability of these kids to cope with the physical and mental pressure of such tournaments should be given importance.

On a billion population and just one Olympic medal: Much has been said about what can be done to improve sports in India. The government can support only up to a level. Only corporate sponsorship will help build our base better. Also, people still have a mind block when it comes to accept sporting as a career choice. Once you show results, I think it would be a chain reaction, as it happened in chess. I feel the erstwhile communist countries like Russia and China fare better in sports as they had their structure in place.

What chess has taught him: I have been among the top 10 players worldwide for the past 14 years. There are times when things go wrong.

If you develop the ability to enjoy what you are doing, even work would be a pleasure. Chess has helped me grow as a person. It has taught me self- control. It has taught me not to get emotional as the opponent would be able to sense it. You develop the courage to take risks in life.

How does he unwind: I love travelling. I love to see new places and learn new languages. I am working on my German now. I work out to keep fit.