Viswanathan Anand, as usual, managed to keep his emotions in check, even as he flitted from one interview to another after his quick 20-move draw with Hungarian Grandmaster Peter Leko.
It is never easy to avoid jumping with joy after competing three tense weeks against the world's best players at the end of which one emerges as the undisputed world champion. Yet, Viswanathan Anand, as usual, managed to keep his emotions in check, even as he flitted from one interview to another after his quick 20-move draw with Hungarian Grandmaster Peter Leko.
Mexico has generally been a good venue for the Indian. Earlier this year he played the first leg of the Morelia-Linares tournament here. He won the tournament and with it also became the world's number one rated player for the first time in his career. In between answering calls and being mobbed by youngsters and fans clamouring for his autograph, he also answered questions fired at him:
Question: What has been the first reaction to winning this title? Anand: To be honest, I am still giving interviews and the feeling is yet to sink in completely. It has been six long years since I experienced this sensation. The first time was great but this is even better. Maybe I will soon realise how big all this is. But first let me start celebrating after all this (laughs).
Q: Overall, how did the tournament go from your point of view? You were dominant throughout, not losing a single game.
A: I am very proud of the way I played. I had prepared for this (tournament) since June. This was without doubt the most important event of the year. There was this one match where I was in danger against (Alexander) Grischuk in the 13th round. I think I flirted with defeat before getting a draw. Other than that I was very much in command. But till yesterday night (Saturday) I was a bit tense. However, with white pieces in the final round, it was not difficult to get the draw.
Q: How would you compare this with the first win in 2000?
A: That (2000) was also a great win as it was the first. Also winning at home in India was very special. But let us face it; this is the unified world championship. So now there are no two ways about this and I can only say that I am truly delighted.
Q: What about talk of Vladimir Kramnik having the right to challenge for the title once again?
A: Well, it's been only a few hours since I won the title. We will take it one step at a time. Right now I want to celebrate this win and relish the moment. Other things can wait.
Q: If you had to choose your best game, which one would it be? A: The game against Levon Aronian (second round) was the one. I was very happy with the novelty there. I had prepared for it and it worked very well. Overall, I am happy with the preparations. I was able to surprise my opponents and won three games with whites, which is good.
Q: In terms of the games at this tournament, how was it? A: It was always tense at the board with a lot of sharp lines and good calculation. My opening repertoire put pressure on the opponents and it was nice to get those winning lines.
CHAMP TO RETURN THIS MONTH
Anand curious about his reception
New Delhi, pti: After his majestic feat of two World Chess Championship titles, Viswanathan Anand is now eager to see whether his countrymen give him the same grand reception that they had extended to Twenty20 World Cup winning cricketers.
Anand’s dazzling achievement is coupled with the Indian ace crossing the magic ELO rating of 2800 for the second time in his career and continuing his top ranking for the third time in succession since climbing up the FIDE charts in April this year. After ending his nearly seven-year wait to reclaim the world title with an undefeated run, Anand said he came to know about the grand welcome that the cricketers had been given and was sure that at least his chess friends would be there to receive him.
“Yes, I heard about it (the welcome given to the cricket team). It would be interesting to see what kind of reception I get when I come to India by the end of this month (October),” Anand told PTI over phone from Mexico in an exclusive interview. “But my friends from chess would certainly be there as always,” he said and added that “here (in Mexico) everyone understood the importance of this event”.
'Amma, I’m the world champion’
Chennai, pti: Chess lovers through out the country and Viswanathan Anand’s family were elated to hear the news of his winning the Chess World title.
“Vishy informed of his second world title at 1.20 am this morning,” Anand’s mother Susheela told PTI.
“With a choking voice, Anand said ‘amma, I have won. I am the world champion for the second time,” she said. “Each and every win in tournaments and championships are important but the Mexico City win is more special since he proved a point that it cannot be taken away from him for sometime,” she said.
Meanwhile, Manuel Aaron, the first Indian to achieve an IM title, who is also the Secretary of Tamil Nadu Chess Association said, “Anand has justified his status in the world of chess. He had something to prove, which he achieved with a great measure of comfort.”
“Anand’s second world champion title is a boost to every aspiring kid in India,” he said. On celebrations on Anand’s arrival in mid-October, he said “we cannot match cricket in publicity but it is (Anand’s) a great achievement. We will plan and do our best to give a fitting reception,” he said.
Sasi hails win
Indian Grand Master Krishnan Sasikaran described Anand’s title triumph as ‘’fantastic.’’ Sasikiran, the second highest ranked Indian (after Anand) at 37, said ‘’it’s great to be a world champion.’’
President’s pat
New Delhi, pti: President Pratibha Patil congratulated Viswanatahan Anand for winning the World Chess Championship in Mexico City.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha LK Advani also offered his best wishes to Anand. “Anand has done India proud and by winning the coveted title for the second time in his long and illustrious chess career,” Advani said.
“Coming soon after the success of Indian cricket team in Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, Anand’s victory has added to India’s glory in international sports,” he said.
