Anand keeps his guard

“I can tell you the name of (Peter Heine) Nielsen (of Denmark) but would not name anybody else,” Anand said.

“And even if I give it, my opponent would not believe it,” quipped the Indian who became world champion in 2007 and successfully defended the title next year, beating Russian Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik in Bonn, Germany.

Once again, the affable Indian will defend his title in Sophia, Bulgaria from April 5 next year over a 12-game contest with local favourite Topalov.

“There is not much of a difference between a defender and a challenger. As the holder, you no longer have the advantage of retaining the title with a draw. Once you start playing, these things become secondary.”