Anand is a legend no doubt abt it. he wud certainly make it to top 12 players of all time.

Maybe Karpov felt he had to compensate a little since he technically never 'won' the title.

Just how great is Anand?

He spreads out the lands and carves the mountains ...

Crazychessplaya wrote:

Getting back to the original post, it is difficult to recall any WCC having a longer string of poor performances than Anand had lately. He won what, maybe two tournaments in the past three years?

+1

He has won one tournament since the beginning of 2008, and that was the probably weakest he has played in decades with regards to world ranking of the field, with his highest ranked opponent #13 on the rating list.

Well , if u look at his career and achievements as a WHOLE, then he no doubt would qualify to be amongst top 12 players of ALL TIME....but yes, i agree, over the past few years, his form and performance has declined drastically. The Candidates could be his last chance to comeback and give it a shot at the Title, and if possible, win it. Apart from that, his Best is clearly way way behind him. But, he still is a force to reckon with. Now thats what makes him Great ,.doesn't it! :)