Chennai:

Norwegian chess wizard Magnus Carlsen, who is here to challenge world champion Viswanathan Anand of India in the FIDE World Chess Championship starting tomorrow, is feeling very much at home in the city.

Carlsen has been spending most of his time relaxing by the poolside at Vivanta by Taj – Fishermen`s Cove, a hotel on the scenic East Coast Road, except for his occasional games of volleyball, tennis and badminton in the last two days.

Ever since his arrival at the hotel on Monday, where he was welcomed with a garland made of shells, the 22-year-old Norwegian was curious about every Indian tradition he came across, according to the hotel staff.

Staying in a comfortable sea facing cottage, the young chess wizard is believed to have been making his strategies for the upcoming contest with his Indian competitor.

Though he brought a cook with him, the young player did check out on some cuisine at the Mediterranean specialty restaurant – Upper Deck – at the hotel.

He had relished spaghetti aglio oligio with bacon, whole wheat croissants and the cheese omelette with green chillies, while indulging in fresh mango juice through his stay.

Carlsen checked out of the hotel today before heading to the city, as the inauguration of the World Chess Championship is scheduled tomorrow.

FIDE World Chess Championship Match (FWCM) between title holder Anand and Carlsen will be inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa at the Nehru Indoor Stadium here at 4 pm.