Magnus Carlsen: Chess is like physical sport

Magnus Carlsen, the highest-ranking chess player in the world, is in London for a tournament which will choose the player to challenge the reigning world champion, the Indian Viswanathan Anand.

On a rest day in the tournament, Magnus Carlsen spoke to the BBC's Tim Franks, and outlined the similarities between chess and physical sports.

He said: "I think there are many elements of sport in chess. We prepare very seriously for the games, the main objective is winning, the players prepare physically as well as mentally, and it's very tough - you get seriously tired playing long games."

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday 19 March 2013.