Radjabov will be a dangerous opponent: Anand

Mainz, Germany, Aug 17 (UNI) Eight-time champion Viswanathan Anand reckons he has a tough opponent in the form of Azerbaijan's Teimour Radjabov as he prepares to win his ninth Rapid World Title here today.

The battle for the Grenkeleasing Rapid World Title will take place in the palatial Rhiengoldhalle situated on the banks of River Rhine.

This will be an eight-game, 25-minute with 10 seconds per move format, which Anand has won for a record eight times in the past.

In the draw of colors the defending Champion chose White pieces while his opponent settled for the black pieces for the start of the match.

Speaking to UNI immediately after the draws Anand said, ''It is going to be a tough match. Teimour has become a very strong player recently and what makes him dangerous is that Rapid chess is not strange and new to him. He plays a lot of blitz and I think he will be a dangerous opponent.'' Meanwhile the young Grandmaster from Azerbaijan was all excited about the prospect of taking on Anand and said he is looking forward to take on the best Rapid player in the world.

''I think it will be a very interesting match and I hope to play a lot of exciting chess. I don't dont have any special feeling and I only want to give my best. I want to see how I fare against the best Rapid player of the World,'' Radjabov told UNI.

UNI XC PM KN1643