Five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand said he was a lot more ‘rejuvenated’ after winning the 2014 Candidates tournament recently in Russia. “I have more confidence for the re-match with Magnus Carlsen to win back the world title,” he said.

“After losing the world title (to Carlsen of Norway in Chennai last year), I was frustrated and was not interested in playing chess. However, after a long thought and a lot of persuasion, I participated in the Candidates tournament and won it. I have the lightness again. Everything looks more positive now and my fans will be happy. I have been giving many excuses for losing matches,” he told newspersons.

Anand overtook favourites Vladimir Kramnik of Russia and Levon Aronian of Armenia to win the Candidates title.

“I now have a perfect excuse to take some rest and not think about chess. I need to spend time with my family,” he said.

Anand’s itinerary this year includes participation in three or four rapid tournaments abroad before challenging Carlsen for the world title in November. Anand, however, declined to give details of his team members while facing Carlsen. “There is still time for it as the venue is yet to be decided,” he said.

Anand said he plans to re-jig his core team and there could be a couple of surprises. “I have several ideas to go about, but cannot discuss it. I will be chalking out a new path for better results,” he said.

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