World number one Viswanathan Anand on Tuesday said he did not think racism was a factor in the International Chess Federation's (FIDE) initial decision not to give him the top ranking and indicated he would focus more on playing "good and solid" chess to retain his spot.
The chess wizard said there must have been some "genuine technical problem" behind FIDE's initial decision.
"I do not want to look at such things with a critical view but hope that FIDE will stick to its decision to announce the events rated and ranking points well in advance," Anand told PTI from Madrid in Spain.
Anand won the Linares tournament in Spain last month, which pushed him to the top in world rankings. But FIDE's list, updated quarterly, showed on April 1 as Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria ahead of Anand by 13 points.
The game's world governing body did not include points gained by Anand in Linares, claiming that the tournament ended on Mar 10, well after the cut-off date of Feb 28.
But FIDE was forced to correct the list and make the Indian Grandmaster as the No 1 following sharp criticism by All India Chess Federation (AICF) and chess fans from around the globe.
Anand said he was sure he would be No 1 in the April list. "But there was some excitement, with FIDE deciding otherwise (to include Linares in July list)."
"Technically speaking, point's difference between Topalov and me is small. I know I have to play well to remain at the top and do not want to worry too much. I will concentrate on playing good and solid chess."
Anand, who was the youngest in the world to achieve the Grandmaster norm in 1987, pointed out that he had become the World Champion in 2000 although the No 1 spot had eluded him.
"The World No 1 status was the only thing I missed," he said.
"When I won Linares, the points became 86. Possibly in July it will become 90 when the points gained in the German League is included," he added.
Anand, the first ever non-Russian to win the Oscar Award in chess four times (1997, 1998, 2003 and 2004), said that he does not set targets for himself.
"I do not think it is necessary to set targets. I take to championships or tournaments with an open mind. As long as I play well, I am not under any pressure. And ratings and rankings will automatically fall in place."
One of only four players in history to go past the 2800 ELO mark in FIDE Rating and among the top three in the world in classical time control chess since 1997, Anand said he was motivated to play well every year.
"I am really motivated to play well year after year. It is an excellent opportunity to go to Mexico City as world No 1 and I hope to do well".
On the future of Indian chess, Anand said the game has been on its way up since the last few years.
"The future is bright. I am happy to note that my becoming world No 1 will motivate others to shine in the world arena," he said.
