There have been many turning points in my career. In 1983, when I won the National Junior Championships (the national Under-16 and Under-19 titles) at the age of 14, it gave me a lot of confidence because I was still inexperienced. After that, the World Junior Championship and then the Grand Master title in 1987 were two great milestones that helped me earn a lot of attention worldwide. I started getting invitations to major events and was fairly recognised in India as well.

Another significant turning point was the 1995 World Championship matches against Gary Kasparov. I learnt a lot after that match and my game improved considerably. But I also consider the wins in 2000 and 2007 as the best in my career. In both I played very well and won convincingly. All these championships taught me a lot about chess and life.

I equate preparing for a tournament to getting ready for an exam when the drive is to go out and give your best. For me playing the first move is by far the easiest. I try not to think too much about the tournament but focus just on the opponent and the game. For me winning and losing both have advantages and disadvantages as you get to learn from both. They both work in strange ways and sometimes you need both to give your best.

I don’t have too many ambitions because I believe that as long as you win the next game, you are on the right path.

I have high hopes for the Bilbao Grand Slam of chess in Spain in September when I will be taking on world No.4 Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine. Also coming up is another World Championship match against Vladimir Kramnik of Russia in October in Germany.

(As told to Sushmita Biswas)