Well I don't know much about chess, but I've read some chess history off late. I think age should not be an issue.
But sometimes people go through rough times. It happens, people don't stay in form and the added pressure of the event makes people more desperate and to act in urgency. Big blunders happen in such situations. This isn't just restricted to chess. In nearly walk of life this happens.
I know some very brilliant people who make silly mistakes during urgent production issues.
Anand seems to have some frustrations. In an interview he lamented that he reached GM at the age of 18, while the youngest have been able to do that at 12 or 13 (Magnus at 13). He's not content with being the world champion, he wants to be the youngest, most talented, etc too. Can't have everything.
Since internet commentary is always interpreted with a negative tone, I'll edit to add: Anand is a fascinating personality and very sympathetic. I hoped he'd score 1 point today :-)
>>he wants to be the youngest, most talented, etc too. Can't have everything.
As an Indian, and someone who practically looks at Anand as a role mode. I would be disappointed if Anand really had that attitude.
Frankly speaking, I don't like the 'naturally talented' or 'natural genius' or this whole belief that people are born with some skills that can't be matched by other people. This isn't just about chess. This sort of thing manifests in every other walk of life.
Most kids just resign to be incapable at math due to constant comparison with other kids. Though I they would do far better if only they were motivated enough to put more effort.
Frankly speaking, I don't like the 'naturally talented' or 'natural genius' or ...
I think you will enjoy reading the book Mindset. It's for parents, and it explores and expands on the very idea you have described ... which is the opposite of how every Indian parent thinks, so the total addressable market for the book is a big one!
I'm sorry but you're just in denial. There's no doubt that the peak is in the 30s. Even late 20s it's starting to slow down, it's just that the amount you can learn and experience in the 30s you get further, but once you are in your 40s the decline surpasses it.
But sometimes people go through rough times. It happens, people don't stay in form and the added pressure of the event makes people more desperate and to act in urgency. Big blunders happen in such situations. This isn't just restricted to chess. In nearly walk of life this happens.
I know some very brilliant people who make silly mistakes during urgent production issues.
We are humans after all. And we make mistakes.