Bhubaneswar: Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand offered a candid and humble reflection following his intense exhibition match against Garry Kasparov in the Clutch Chess: The Legends event in St. Louis. Despite narrowly losing the overall contest 13–11, Anand said he was proud of his performance and relieved to “return home without hiding [his] face.”
Kasparov Triumphs, But Anand Finishes Strong
The match between the two former world champions drew global attention, reviving memories of their iconic 1995 World Championship battle. Kasparov, displaying flashes of his vintage form, won two rapid and two blitz games to secure the title. Anand, however, rallied in the final stages — claiming the last two blitz games and ending the series on a positive note.
“It felt good to finish strong,” Anand remarked. “At least I don’t have to hide my face when I return home.”
Anand Admits To Costly Errors
Reflecting on the encounter, Anand said there were moments when he struggled to maintain focus, likening parts of the match to “solving puzzles rather than playing competitive chess.” He pointed to a crucial game where he lost on time despite having a winning position — an incident that left both him and Kasparov surprised.
“I couldn’t believe I let that happen,” Anand said. “Sometimes, you see the win clearly, but the clock tells a different story.”
Respect And Sportsmanship Prevail
The match was marked by mutual respect between the two chess icons. Kasparov even apologized to Anand after the time-loss blunder, underscoring the sportsmanship that defined their rivalry.
Anand’s closing victories not only narrowed the scoreline but also restored confidence among his supporters. “Ending with wins made all the difference,” he said. “It shows that no matter how the match goes, you keep fighting until the end.”
Prize Money And Legacy
Kasparov took home $78,000, while Anand earned $66,000 for his efforts. Beyond the numbers, the event celebrated the enduring legacy of two of chess’s greatest minds — still captivating audiences decades after their first duel.
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