Game 9

I am writing as the game is progressing. The game is quite interesting but I think 28. Nf1 is a major blunder, since Bf1 should have been played. I think now that Anand has lost the game.

Bharat Ratna

It is a great and truly well deserved recognition for CNR Rao. His h-index of 108 currently is similar to Tendulkar's record of 100 centuries and is unlikely to be broken by any other Indian scientist. Further, both are alike in some aspects: hard work, unbridled enthusiasm, passion and perseverance.

It is a great honor for me that I had co-authored a manuscript with him earlier this year.

Game 6

Sachin retires. Anand likely to lose now..

I find it interesting that both players seemed to think that 57. Rg8+ was the decisive mistake, allowing Magnus' king to move to e3, but the engines insist it's a draw until 60.Ra4. If 60.b4 is played, all engines show a draw.

Stupid journalists asking Anand about Sachin's retirement. Irritated Anand says he was not following it because he had other things in mind. Next, he says, "Doing your best means doing your best. I don't know why you don't understand English" I think losing these rook endings are getting to him.

I have no idea why Susan Polgar is explaining chess..has 64 squares, algebraic notation. In twitter, she says that people of all levels are following and she has to explain this. Those who do not know this are not following chess live ! Please.

What else, Ravi Shastri will explain what is run and run out on Star Sports??

Game 5

Pity Anand lost. He says 34..Rd4 is a mistake. But the computer shows 0 advantage at move 45. When Anand moved 45..Rc1+, the evaluation drops to 0.86 indicating a mistake here. Ra1 should have ensured parity even at this stage.

Sachin Sachin

..chants the entire nation. It is difficult to discuss his contribution to India. Just by doing his job of playing cricket, he has done something others can only dream. In my opinion, no other individual has brought as much as happiness to Indians in the post Independence era. He has shown how hard work and humility can help individuals reach great heights. But the key is enthusiasm. As MSD said, "His schoolboy-like enthusiasm for the game is something I envy and admire."

For people who do not understand what is so great about him, they have to be ground when he bats. I have watched him hit a century in Chepauk against Pakistan, a double hundred in Bangalore against Australia and so many other knocks, which showed his talent and ability to soak in pressure. When he bats, time stops. As Hayden said, "I have seen God. He bats at #4 in tests for India"

Game 4

While India is abuzz with Sachin's last test, the game 4 of Anand - Carlsen was wonderful. The 16th move of Carlsen (Bxa2) was a risky line but he had obviously prepared for it. It turned a boring Berlin opening to one of the best games.

There was an alternative to 28. hxg4, which was Rc1. But it was impossible to spot (though my computer engine picked it up). I think the advantage was with Carlsen throughout the match but Anand played 35. Ne4, which neutralized the advantage. Overall, it was a very quality match and a pleasure to watch and analyze so many lines.