Vishy has been a quiet achiever for India. Perhaps India's first individual sporting achiever at the world stage.
He overcame the challenge posted by Vladimir Kramnik of Russia at Mexico City on Saturday to win the undisputed World Chess Championship.
He thus becomes only the first player since Bobby Fischer to win the undisputed championship, and Fischer won his in 1972 - when Anand must have been just two years old.
He also remained undefeated in this championship, which is his second title.
He agreed to a quick with Hungary's Grischuk to seal the victory with 9/14.
Anand's ELO now stands at 2792, his highest ever rating being 2803. He is only one of four players to have had an ELO of more than 2800.
The Lightning Kid remains as humble as ever.
I am very happy to be champion and I especially want to thank the warm treatment I received by all the Mexican people and fans that made this possible.
Viswanathan Anand, World Chess Champion 2007
Congratulations Vishy and welcome home.
4 comments:
Hi SB,
It is raining good news for Indian sports in general. Sania breaking into the top 30, Nehru Cup victory in football, hockey teams' win in Asia cup, the Twenty20 win and now Anand's fantastic victory!
I read that Anand is the first player after Gary Kasparov to win the World Chess Championships while being seeded number 1!
You mentioned about Anand being the first individual sporting achiever on world stage. I agree.
But here is a poser to the avid quizzer in you -
Name India's first World Champion (in any individual sport).
That may be a simple one, but it is a buzzer question. Difficult ones will follow soon!
Hi CG,
That'll have to be Michael Ferreira I guess. (you have me by the short hairs if you want to quiz me now! Half my brain cells are dead man!)
Yes, it has been a curiously good time for Indian sports. The superstitious are drawing links between these co-incidences and a sport-based movies release.
Its Wilson Jones, SB, the genial billiards champ who mentored Michael Ferreira, Ashok Shandilya and others.
Of course yes! Thanks for reminding me CG. Wilson Jones it was!
I'm sure you now have a reasonable understanding of the state of affairs!
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