Matches for the title of world chess champion take place in Sochi

“Sochi hosts matches for the title of world chess champion between Magnus Carlsen from Norway and Viswanathan Anand from India.

Magnus Carlsen is the youngest chess player to top the official FIDE rating at the age of 19 years and 1 month. Since February 2013 - the owner of the highest Elo rating in the history of its existence - 2872 points; Magnus broke the record (2851 points) held by Garry Kasparov for 13 years. The Norwegian is a new type of chess player: he doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he's a freak who doesn't shy away from the world, he plays football, basketball, he smiles a lot; in general, on the way to bringing chess back into the ranks of popular, if not sports, then at least activities. He is a man with a unique memory and chess abilities that manifested themselves relatively late. For a while he was Kasparov's protégé, who helped the Norwegian for a while.

The Norwegian is playing with Anand, whom he defeated in India a year ago, taking away his title. Anand did not lose heart, won the Candidates Tournament and is eager for revenge.

Norwegian Magnus Carlsen is considered the favorite by bookmakers. It is offered to bet on Carlsen's victory with a coefficient of 1.25, on a draw they give 6.50, on Anand's victory - 7.00,” says Mikhail Mordasov. Photo of the author.

(Total 19 photos)

1. Matches are held in the building of the media center, where thousands of journalists worked during the Olympic Games.

2. Now there is plenty of free space, quiet, less crowded and therefore less comfortable.

3. There is a chess room in one of the rooms.

4. Here young chess players can compete with each other in peace and quiet.

5. In the lobby they sell chess made of various expensive materials. The price tags were delicately removed.

6. You can play chess with the computer.

7. And among themselves. There are chessboards everywhere.

8. Young Magnus Carlsen understands his superiority.

9. The hall can accommodate about 100 spectators. Last year in India, chess players played behind glass.

10. Chess fans immediately begin to discuss the possible outcome of the game. But almost no one is heard.

11. The press can only be in this room for the first ten minutes from the start of the game. But during this time, the opponents do not make a single move.

12. Magnus is bored. Everything is already decided for him.

13. At first, the audience can stand and come closer to the players.

14. Karpov has also arrived and is watching the game with passion.

15. There are a lot of people, but the hall is half full. And when the journalists left it, there were very few spectators left.

16. Fans were already waiting for Karpov at the exit. He gladly gave autographs.

17. Most of the journalists stayed to wait for the end of the game. A metal detector frame is visible in the background. In order to get to the game, you need to go through 3 security checkpoints, show all your things and leave your phone.

18. After the end of the allotted 10 minutes, you can watch the game on TV.

19. Opponents during the game can get up, walk around, drink water. Anand couldn't sit still from the very beginning. Most likely, he is nervous for good reason.