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The world is his oyster

On top of the world

You feel like you're flying. But getting there took a lot of hard work and determination. I started playing chess when I was six. I never dreamt I would one day be on top of the game. In the early '80s India still hadn't produced its first Grandmaster. Then in '87 when I became its first, it seemed like a big step, but I still hadn't finished university. When I did that in 1991, I was already in the top 5. It was at this point I decided to become a professional. I've been playing in elite tournaments ever since.

Ups and downs

Through these years I have won every tournament in the chess circuit, including four chess Oscars and three world titles. It's been a very rewarding and enriching experience. I have been in the top three for the last 10 years. I dropped to third spot briefly in 2000. I have tried to play chess and not sit on my rating. Kasparov was able to play one event and keep his rating for a long time.

Toughest opponent

Any player in the top 10 is a tough opponent. You don't get to the top 10 by chance. I would say any player with a rating of 2650 or more is dangerous. They are all well prepared and now with computers your analysis is more accurate.

I play fast...

Actually I've slowed down in classical chess. But somehow I always think fast. Whenever I've thought for too long I've realised that what I thought in the first 60 seconds was the best move. When I play rapid chess I thoroughly enjoy myself. I guess you are forced to use intuition to make the decision and that suits me well.

In a day...

I play for six to eight hours if I'm preparing for a major event, otherwise I may do about two to three hours. I get roughly about 25 new games every day. So it is important to sort the games and incorporate them in my database. Sometimes I do take a complete hiatus from chess. Maybe for a week or so when I don't switch on the machine at all.

Spain is home

By 1991 I was travelling eight months a year and was spending a lot of time in Europe. So I needed a place in between tournaments and also to train. When in 1991 I played my first Linares event I met a Spanish couple, Maurice and Nieves. They were the reason I moved to Collado Mediano. They travelled with me to many events over the years. When I win Maurice is the first person I think of. He is by far my biggest fan. Nieves is no more and when I won Linares this year in a way I dedicated it to her. But I've never left India. I spend a few months every year here.

Family life

Aruna and I take off on vacations. We like watching movies, trying out new recipes, gardening. With my parents we love to play cards. That's a family ritual.

Tips for cricketers

As a sportsperson your focus should be on the game and the world should be your oyster. I realised very early that I had to get to where the Russians are to be in the top of my chess. Being No 1 in India or Asia is satisfying but not enough. Maybe we need to see what the actual world beaters are doing and learn from them. Maybe we tend to idolise and demonise very quickly.