Dubai: World chess champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway enjoys the sheer joy of playing fast — no wonder loves the Rapid and Blitz form.
“I enjoy playing in it because it’s going to be fun to play faster chess,” said the Norwegian, here to play in the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club.
Speaking to Gulf News, the wonderkid of chess said he will not be taking it easy though. “I will take it very seriously and try my best to win,” said Carlsen, who is known for his attacking style which drives his opponents to commit blunders.
Last year, Carlsen became the new world champion defeating title holder Vishwanathan Anand of India, who was also driven to commit mistakes.
When asked what it takes to be successful in rapid chess, Carlsen said: “I think it is mainly about chess ability but also to adjust to a faster game, which is very important.”
Carlsen’s success has created a huge impact in his country with more youngsters taking to the sport everyday. “My success has a great impact. In fact, we had a big tournament recently and the I was happy to see interest levels were very really great,” he said.
Speaking about his philosophy to the game, Carlsen said: “When I face tougher opponents, I try to be become better and also try to learn from them.”
Despite becoming a Grandmaster at the age of 13 year and 148 days and a world champion at 23, Carlsen sees himself as a student of the game: “There is a lot to learn and there are always new things to improve upon.”
Has the mantle of a world champion put any pressure on him? “I don’t allow pressure to affect me. All the pressure I face, I put it to myself.”
What is Carlsen’s advice to youngsters who want to emulate him? “It is not easy and there are no shortcuts,” he remarked. A clutch of top players from around the world have arrived here and attended the opening ceremony of the event at the Dubai Culture and Scientific Association on Sunday. The Rapid championship will consist of 15 rounds over three days (from 3pm daily) and the 21-round Blitz Championship will be held on June 19 and 20. A total prize purse of $400,000 (Dh1.4 million) is at stake with a top prize money of $40,000 for the winner of each tournament.
