Did the ghosts of the past haunt Garry Kasparov's victory over Vishy Anand?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling chess showdown, Garry Kasparov claimed victory over Vishy Anand at Clutch Chess: The Legends event in St. Louis. The match showcased intense gameplay over three days, unraveling Anand's psychological struggles and Kasparov's strategic prowess, culminating in a historic win reminiscent of their legendary battles.
Key Takeaways
- Garry Kasparov won the Clutch Chess: The Legends event.
- The match featured a unique cascading points system.
- Viswanathan Anand faced psychological challenges during the games.
- The event highlighted the enduring rivalry between Kasparov and Anand.
- Kasparov's victory marked a significant anniversary in chess history.
Missouri, Oct 11 (NationPress) Garry Kasparov triumphed over Viswanathan Anand during the exhibition event, Clutch Chess: The Legends, which took place in St. Louis. Over the course of three days, the two chess titans faced off in 12 rapid and blitz games under a freestyle format, with Kasparov emerging victorious with a score of 13-11.
The competition employed a cascading points system—Day 1 victories were worth one point, Day 2 victories were two points, and Day 3 victories garnered three points—allowing Kasparov to clinch his win with two games still left to play. Anand, however, managed to secure victories in both of those concluding games.
In a post-match interview with the St. Louis Chess Club’s YouTube channel, Kasparov remarked that Anand seemed to experience some “psychological discomfort” throughout the event, stating: “He had some psychological discomfort. It didn’t go well for him from day one and I think it’s just that his score against me historically is bad and somehow, probably just the ghosts of the past visited him during the game.”
On Day 2 of Clutch Chess: The Legends, Anand, a five-time world champion from India, held a significant advantage in the fifth game against Kasparov, which was played in rapid format. Despite being in a winning position with over a minute left on his clock, Anand lost track of time and ultimately succumbed to Kasparov.
Day two marked a challenging start for the Indian chess legend, as Kasparov took advantage of Anand's blunder on move 17 to secure another win.
“It was a very difficult fight and I think that I was extremely lucky in many games. There were a few moments where the tables could have turned. I actually played a few good games. It’s probably those I have not won. I would have preferred to lose game one (of day 2) or just to force a draw which I could do easily. I would rather win game two on day 2. So it’s probably a fair balance. Of course, I just totally relaxed after winning the event,” Kasparov shared with grandmaster Maurice Ashley during the interview.
Kasparov's victory came precisely 30 years after his historic win over Anand in the 1995 World Chess Championship at New York’s World Trade Center.
“I’m not a professional player. I had very little expectations before the match. I was quite surprised to find myself in this situation. When I won the match, it was just somehow total relaxation. In the depths of my mind, I thought it’s not fair. I tried (to win the last two games). It’s not that I just lost on purpose.
“I think I was more resilient than he expected. In time trouble, to my great surprise, I did better. But again luck is luck. I tried to make sure that luck would be with me,” he concluded.
Point of View
I believe this match highlights the enduring legacy of both Garry Kasparov and Vishy Anand in the chess world. Their historical rivalry continues to captivate audiences, and this recent exhibition match serves as a reminder of the psychological and strategic complexities involved in competitive chess. The narratives that unfold in such events are not just about victory or defeat but also about the players’ mental fortitude and resilience.
NationPress
11/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the format of the Clutch Chess event?
The Clutch Chess event featured a freestyle format where Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand competed in 12 rapid and blitz games over three days.
What was the final score of the match?
Garry Kasparov won the match against Viswanathan Anand with a score of 13-11.
How did the points system work in the event?
The points system awarded one point for Day 1 wins, two points for Day 2 wins, and three points for Day 3 wins.
What psychological factors did Kasparov mention about Anand?
Kasparov noted that Anand experienced some psychological discomfort during the event, likely influenced by their historical matchups.
How did this match compare to their previous encounters?
The match was significant as it took place exactly 30 years after Kasparov defeated Anand in the 1995 World Chess Championship.
