Indian chess ace Viswanathan Anand has won the World Rapid Chess Championship in Riyadh. The former world champion remained unbeaten through the tournament and came back strongly to bag the top position on a tie-break after a three-way tie with Russians Vladimir Fedoseev and Ian Nepomniachtchi at 10.5 points from a possible 15. The Chennai ace then defeated Fedoseev 2-0 in a two-game tie-break to win the trophy yesterday. The 48-year-old Anand has thus claimed his first rapid world title since 2003.
After winning the title Anand said he entered the tournament in a “pessimistic” frame of mind but managed to surprise himself and the world with an unbeaten campaign. He described the win against Norway’s world champion Magnus Carlsen as the crucial moment in the tournament.
President Ram Nath Kovind has congratulated Viswanathan Anand for winning the World Rapid Chess Championship. In a tweet, Mr Kovind said such determined pursuit of excellence across decades makes Anand an inspiration for all. He said the country is proud of Viswanathan Anand.
Anand’s erstwhile rival, Russian great Garry Kasparov, hailed his triumph on Twitter, saying congratulations to the man from the sixties on his World Rapid title.
President Ram Nath Kovind has congratulated Viswanathan Anand for winning the World Rapid Chess Championship. In a tweet, Mr Kovind said such determined pursuit of excellence across decades makes Anand an inspiration for all.
He said the country is proud of Viswanathan Anand. Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore has also congratulated Viswanathan Anand on winning the World Rapid Chess Championship. In a tweet, Mr Rathore said, Anand tenacity, mental fortitude and never-give-up attitude is an inspiration to not just chess players, but all sports persons.
