Chess legend Viswanathan Anand recently weighed in on Magnus Carlsen’s viral fist-smashing moment at Norway Chess, likening it to a runner getting injured just before the finish line.
The Infamous Incident
The chess world was abuzz when Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top-ranked player, visibly lost his temper during a Norway Chess game. He slammed his fist on the table after a surprising loss to 19-year-old Indian prodigy D Gukesh, an incident that quickly went global and sparked countless memes.
Carlsen’s frustration stemmed from losing a game he had firmly in his grasp. He had held a winning position but squandered it in just a couple of moves, leading to an unexpected defeat against the current World Champion, Gukesh.
Anand’s Take on Carlsen’s Anger
Viswanathan Anand, a five-time World Champion himself, found Carlsen’s reaction entirely understandable. He compared Carlsen’s situation to a runner “falling and injuring themselves two metres before the finish line,” perfectly capturing the agony of losing a nearly won game.
Anand noted that while Gukesh was incredibly lucky to survive as long as he did, Carlsen, known for his perfect conversions, should have closed out the game. The veteran grandmaster also highlighted how Carlsen’s emotional outburst helped shatter stereotypes of chess players as being stoic and unemotional.
Breaking Chess Stereotypes
The viral moment showcased a rarely seen side of chess players – raw, unbridled emotion. Anand believes this drama is good for the sport, as it allows the public to connect with the intensity players experience during games.
When asked if he had ever reacted similarly after a loss, Anand humorously quipped that in his playing days, there weren’t 20 cameras around. He joked that the only reason to react so dramatically now is to “get on social media.”
The Game’s Sudden Turn
Anand delved into the specifics of Carlsen’s game against Gukesh, explaining how Magnus had been outplaying his young opponent and seemingly heading for a comfortable victory. Carlsen’s pieces were converging for the kill, and he appeared to have full control.
However, Carlsen made a critical error during a king march, a slightly risky maneuver. Anand speculated that Carlsen might have become irritated by Gukesh’s continued resistance and tried to finish the game too quickly, leading to a miscalculation that turned the tables.
- Magnus Carlsen’s fist smash was due to losing a winning position against D Gukesh.
- Viswanathan Anand compared Carlsen’s loss to falling just before a finish line.
- The incident helped break stereotypes about chess players not showing emotion.
- Anand found Carlsen’s anger relatable given the nature of the defeat.
Carlsen’s moment of frustration offered a rare glimpse into the high-stakes world of competitive chess, revealing the human element behind the strategic battles.
