GenNext making a move

In such a context,when Anand defends his title against a challenger by the end of 2013,it is largely expected to signify a figurative passing of the baton.

Anands title defenses have,over the years,been increasingly tense affairs and his recent tournament form has been distinctly patchy at the Masters Final,he went winless and finished one spot above bottom. In the meanwhile,the younger bunch has made enormous ground and have arguably moved ahead Carlsen,the world no. 1,is just a few rating points off Garry Kasparovs all-time record while the average age of the top eight,excluding Anand,is 25.

Apart from the expected debilitation that comes with age a slowing of analytical powers,the tendency to make tired mistakes towards the end of long tournaments and so on the older lot seem to suffer,at least in the eyes of some,from an acute attack of conservatism.

Anand and Gelfand,the oldest pair to contest the world title in a century this May,played out just two results over their 12-game match. At the Masters Final,while Anand was grinding out draw after draw,Carlsen turned it up when it mattered,storming to three wins in four games towards the end to tie for top spot. One of those wins was a 30-move demolition of Anand.

Raakesh is a senior reporter based in New Delhi.

raakesh.natrajexpressindia.com