A Day Later, Same Story: Anand’s Tough Run Continues as 20-Year-Old Sindarov Hands Him Another Defeat

Xtra Time Newsdesk: Viswanathan Anand’s difficult start to the Global Chess League has taken another painful turn. Just a day after the five-time world champion lost to Magnus Carlsen after running out of time, Anand found himself on the wrong side of the clock once again, this time against 20-year-old Javokhir Sindarov. But this defeat carried a different kind of sting.

Viswanathan Anand, who is playing for Alaskan Knights, had the chance to settle for a draw against the young Uzbekistan grandmaster but chose to keep the game alive. It was a decision that reflected the fighting spirit that has defined Anand throughout his extraordinary career. However, as the position became increasingly complicated, the clock became his biggest opponent. Eventually, Anand ran out of time, and the game slipped away.

For a player who has spent decades mastering the finer details of chess, losing because of the clock can be particularly frustrating. The previous day, Anand had also been in a strong position against Carlsen before his time expired. Two consecutive losses in such circumstances made the Bengaluru outing even more difficult for the Indian legend.

Yet, there was no lack of respect from the youngster who defeated him. Sindarov, who is preparing to challenge reigning world champion D Gukesh later this year, described Anand as a world-class player. That perhaps tells the bigger story.

Chess is changing, with a new generation arriving with enormous confidence and speed. Sindarov represents that new wave, while Anand remains one of the figures who helped shape Indian chess into what it is today. For Anand, this may be a difficult phase in a long and remarkable career. But at the Global Chess League, the clock is unforgiving, even for legends.