Paul is the only one who follows Anand in the World Chess Cup – Dagbladet.no

Sochi (Dagbladet): Norwegians became captivated by the hysteria surrounding the World Cup game between Magnus Carlsen (23) and Vishy Anand (44) in Chennai last year. Images of hundreds of Indian journalists who surrounded the players at every opportunity, was shown over and over on Norwegian TV channels.

It did it was expected that the interest would be great also in Sochi, but here the situation is completely different.

– I am unfortunately the only Indian journalist here, says Aniek Paul from newspaper Mint.

– Very surprised

Before departure had Paul been told by the Indian Embassy in Moscow that the expected number of members of the Indian press to Russia. Therefore he had not at all imagined that met him at the media center in Sochi.

– I am very, very surprised that I’m the only the Indian here. Given that it happened in Chennai, I had not imagined this.

– What is the reason you are the only one here?

– I think it is because it is now possible to cover a check over the internet, so all the other journalists sitting at home, says Paul.

Considerable interest

The journalist says that there is great interest to fight in his home country, despite the very modest turnout.

– There is a broad coverage of it. Press conferences will be sent the live, then press corps that is home feel enough that they miss so much. There is still no doubt that it is much better to be here, says Paul.

Vishy Anand was named the millennium sports person in India in 1998. He has long been seen as a folk hero, a giant among Indians. Such is still the case.

– He is definitely one of India’s largest sport profiles. He is considered seom one of the largest, although sports like cricket and football is more popular, says Paul.

gloated

Even if he is alone, the Indian journalist glad to be in place in Sochi. After Anand surprising victory yesterday, think Paul that his colleagues are beginning to resent proper that they have not taken the trip.

– If this turns in Anand’s favor, the others journalists squirm in pain over the they are not here. Now it is me who gets all exclusive, says Paul, laughing happy.

After yesterday’s dramatic settlement, he VM-fight is now more or less completely open.

– Anand was very disappointing to party number two, but now he showed the right signs: He took the fight to the opponent and wondered Carlsen in their preparations. It’s good. So we’ll see how it goes. Everyone in India hope that Anand will take the title back, but people also acknowledge Carlsen basically is a stronger player.