Chennai:
World Number One in chess, Magnus Carlsen, is not taking any chances though he has a 2-point lead over defending champion Viswanathan Anand at the end of the eighth game in the World Championship.
Without revealing his style or preparation, the Norwegian challenger's father Henrik Carlsen told NDTV, "Carlsen is happy about his preparation so far. We expect Anand to fight back in Game 9. Vishy would come out fighting like a tiger. Anything can still happen."
The 22-year-old's father says he loves the match and the food here. "He is happy about the 2-point lead. But he speaks about other things than chess. He plays cards and listens to music to unwind and to beat the stress."
Though Chennai is Mr Anand's home town, many enthusiasts and budding chess players adore Mr Carlsen's form and style.
Aravind Chidambaram, a school student and a promising chess player, says, "Carlsen is so strong in the endgame. We follow him. He will win the championship this year."
Another fan from Mumbai says, "Carlsen is a mix of Karpov and Fishcher, so potent."
Does Mr Carlsen know there's a fan following for him in Chennai? His father says, "I am glad to hear that. Carlsen is aware of the local support. He is thankful for it."