The casual chess enthusiast has no idea just how much pressure there is at a chess tournament. I think this is especially true of players expected to win events ... like Humpy Koneru who said:

"Whenever I compete in World Championships there is heavy expectation riding that I should become the champion. That does put pressure on me" - GM Humpy Koneru

Poor Humpy seems to frequently buckle under that pressure but I can't say anything better. The one event I ever went to that I was Second Seed I lost bitterly. It's an unhappy situation ... like all eyes are on you and you should win without difficulty and with a lot of finesse.

If you've never played in a tournament I encourage the experience. If you have please share your experience with others.