It was scary but not a disaster: Carlsen on Game 3

Chennai: World number one Magnus Carlsen on Tuesday termed the drawn third game of the World Championship match against Viswanathan Anand here as scary but insisted that it was not a disaster for him in any position.

Speaking at the post-game conference after drawing the third game as white, Carlsen though agreed that things did not go his way right from the start of the middle game.

"I think I made a couple of misjudgments in the middle game, my position was worse and then I made it even worse. I underestimated this plan with 'b5' giving up the Bishop. I did not have any idea what was happening next, just happy to survive," the 22-year-old Norwegian said.

Carlsen was not happy with the way things had turned out for him. "I missed some simple things, early itself I misplayed something. Although it should be said that it was not a disaster. I mean if I had black here it's a fairly common kind of position, it looked scary," he said.

Anand, on his part, said that 'white' always had some play even though the analysis engines showed that he was marginally better with black piece.

"Obviously for black, what he is getting is the two Bishops, if I can role my queen side pawns down it could be unpleasant for white. Even though I have the two Bishops, white actually keeps control of the open file and he has enough counter play," the defending champion said.

Five-time world champion Anand gave further insight of the game, noting some fine prints. "When the Queen was floating around and then went to the 'h1', I thought the best was what I went for. I felt if swept out light square Bishops white is just fine, In time pressure 'g6' is rather weaker than any other white pawn I thought it should be manageable. I might have been mistaken but I thought white had enough play," he said.

Asked about the course of the third game, Carlsen said, "I think as per excitement it was good. There was lot of tension both on the board probably some nerves also, probably that's what it's all about. It's early in the match, my black game has been more of a success than my white games so far."

Anand showed his funny side when asked about how he felt Carlsen's preparation has been. "Again I am flattered that you think I will answer that," he said with a big smile.

"We still got a match to play, I am also making some impressions, this is not the time to start analyzing the match," he added.

Asked about his former trainer Garry Kasparov who visited the venue for two days, Carlsen said he had not met him yet. "I have not seen him here yet. I think it's good that one of the legends of the game is here.

"I do not to get in to politics. I think he deserves to be treated with respect. I mean regardless of whether he is opposing the Fide President," said Carlsen.

When the same question was put to Anand regarding Kasparov's presence here, the Indian said, "He [Kasparov] is now like always. It is good that he is here about. I did not see him anywhere."

On the hospitality accorded to him in India, Carlsen said, "I think it is better than what I expected. I am treated so well so far. I am grateful for that."

The fourth game will be played on Wednesday with Anand having white pieces for the second time in the 12-game match.