Anand vs Topalov

Viswanathan Anand has retained the World Chess Championship defeating Vasily Topalov. This demonstrates that age does not necessarily blunt the thinking faculty. Prior to the match, Topalov had said that minus 5 was his biggest plus. (He is 35 and Anand 40).

Anand's pleasant manners also indicate that one need not exhibit an overly aggressive and unpleasant countenance to be a winner even in a game like chess which is partly psychological warfare. It is noteworthy that Topalov preferred not to shake hands with or even speak to Anand throughout the twelve games. In one game, when Anand offered a draw, Topalov simply mumbled something and chose to speak through the arbiter. Topalov also espoused the tactless "Sofia Rule" and claimed not to accept any offer of draw. Arrogance does not necessarily beget success.