Barua: Kasparov will be under pressure

“It is easy for the newcomers because they have nothing to lose. They will be playing with a legend. For Kasparov, it will be a big mental challenge because he has to accept that he is playing with the younger generation and he may lose,” said Dibyendu Barua.

Garry Kasparov would be under pressure against younger players, feels Barua.

The return of legendary Garry Kasparov may be a big source of inspiration for the up and coming chess players but the yesteryear superstar may be under pressure to face the younger lot, says Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua.

Barua said the comeback of Kasparov from retirement would be exciting. “Kasparov’s return is a good sign for world chess – mainly for the young generation. He is playing after about a decade. Those players who came up during this period they did not see Kasparov in action. For them, seeing Kasparov playing will be a big inspiration. It is something which is very difficult to explain but it is a good decision,” Barua told The Sportstar on Thursday.

Read: Barua felicitates medal-winning students

According to Barua, everybody would expect Kasparov to do well. “But we should not look at his results now. He knows that he will not be as strong as before but he has come to encourage and inspire younger players. Results are immaterial now. His participation, his movement, his body language, his attitude – all put together will definitely help.”

Read: Garry Kasparov back from retirement

Barua, 50, said Kasparov, who announced his return to a rapid and blitz tournament next month, might also showcase his skills again in the classical version. “If he does well in rapid chess, then he may think of coming back to the classical game. It may not be possible for him to perform like the way he used to perform on top of his game, but I don’t think he will do too badly. He may be having some new ideas.”

However, Barua said Kasparov would be under pressure against the younger players. “It is easy for the newcomers because they have nothing to lose. They will be playing with a legend. For Kasparov, it will be a big mental challenge because he has to accept that he is playing with the younger generation and he may lose. That worry will always be there.

“Age is a factor too. A gap of a decade is another factor. Maybe he was coaching or teaching during the last few years but practically when you are not playing then there is a big difference. Definitely, the pressure will be big on Kasparov,” said Barua