Viswanathan Anand vowed he will continue playing chess moments after he was defeated for the second time in a row by Magnus Carlsen in the world championship match.

Anand, instead, exuded grace in defeat, showering praise on his opponent. The veteran Indian said in a battle of nerves, the Norweigian held up his own better. However, Anand, who looked more relieved than disappointed, stressed he gave a tougher fight than in Chennai. “I played much better. I got interesting positions to play which were not there in Chennai last year,” Anand said. “I had more weak points than him. Besides, my nerves were the first to crack.”

Anand lost to Carlsen in Game 11 on Sunday, handing his younger opponent the world championship title for the second time. Speaking of his exchange sacrifice in Sunday’s game, Anand said it was a bad gamble. “I can’t understand why I went for the exchange sacrifice… One can say that I took a risk, but… I was bully, I was punished. Before that moment, I was playing objectively. I was considering also 26…Bg7 (rather than 26…Be7). To be honest, I wasn’t thinking very clearly at that point,” he admitted.

Turning the tide

Referring to the exchange offer, Carlsen said he is a believer in material and he like to grab it when offered. He added he was happy to see Anand play that move, which turned the tide in his favour in an otherwise close tie.

Anand, though, categorically said he will not be quitting the game following his defeat. Asked if he would give up playing chess, Anand firmly replied: “No.” The reply drew a huge applause in the press room. He left the Sochi hotel soon after the match along with rest of the entourage, even as Carlsen and his team planned a lavish party at the hotel.

Carlsen said losing the third game brought him down to earth. “I’m really happy by the way I pulled myself together when needed. At some point, the position wasn’t under at all control,” he said.