The World Champion Magnus Carlsen (2863) of Norway will return to defend his title against the Challenger Anand Vishy (2785) of India. The match is scheduled to be played in Sochi, Russia between 7th and 27th of November, 2014.
Carlsen who defeated Anand last year to become the world reigning chess champion is here again to defend his title after he reluctantly signed the match contract. He complained about the match budget of $1m for this year is less than that of last year world championship match played in Chennai, India. Carlsen was also not happy with the Olympic village venue where the match will take place in few weeks due to the political upheave in Russia. The Norwegian is still optimistic despite his erratic-performance this year.

Carlsen who said he has been studying the past games and what strategies the past world champions have used, also talked about his opponent’s performance when he was recently interviewed.

He said “I think it’s a good thing for him that he has been playing well. I am happy for him. I have known him for many years; we have good relations. But obviously I don’t wish him well when he is playing me.

I think what has set his two very successful tournaments apart from what he has done in the last few years is consistency. He has been playing a lot more consistent; very few blunders.

His general level of chess is still extremely high, so when he doesn’t blunder he does very well.“

However, there are a lot of questions to be asked as both player head into a rematch; can Carlsen defend his title? Can his strategy work against Anand whose performance has improved recently? Will Anand come in with a better game plan this time around? Will he win the FIDE World Championship Match? We shall know at the end of the match this coming month.
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