The Hindu : Sport / Chess : Chess fraternity hails Anand

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 03, 2007
ePaper

Sport

Sport - Chess

Chess fraternity hails Anand

V.V. Subrahmanyam

HYDERABAD: It was so typical of Viswanathan Anand's illustrious career.

Even as the Indian media is going to town about the World Cup of cricket, this wizard of the 64 squares quietly scripted a `double delight' for the Indian sports fraternity — winning the prestigious Morelia-Linares Super Grandmasters tournament and later being crowned the `King'.

For someone who has been in the top three for so long, the official confirmation of his No. 1 rank marked yet another glorious chapter in the history of Indian chess.

True inspiration

"This should inspire players like me a lot," said young GM Neelotpal Das. India's only other Super GM Krishnan Sasikiran was on cloud nine on coming to know of his hero's achievement.

"It is fantastic news. And, I hope that he stays at the top for a long time," the heir-apparent to Anand, from India, remarked.

What really fascinates him about Anand's game?

"His speed of thought is something out of this world. He plays so fast but still makes it look so easy. I know it takes a lot out of you to be so good consistently at the highest level," said Sasikiran.

For someone who had the rare distinction of shocking Anand in the 2002 World Cup in Hyderabad, Sasikiran also said that this was the right time for the Indian chess maestro to win the world championship.

"I shared my experiences and knowledge with him during the two Olympiads he played with us and we have always benefited from the interactions," said Sasikiran.

Richly deserved

And the joy of Sandipan Chanda knew no bounds. "There is no doubting that Anand has always been one of the greatest players in chess history. He richly deserves the No.1 slot for I have not come cross anyone with greater clarity of thought. He knows what exactly he is doing," said Sandipan.

Tribute to commitment

This is what GM Pentyala Harikrishna had to say of his favourite all-time player: "It's a tribute to his commitment and determination. Mind you, he is the first Indian to be World No.1 in chess. I wish him a long tenure at the top.''

IM Lanka Ravi said that Anand's preparation levels were something that all players in the world should emulate. "He is a genius and an extraordinary gentleman," he added.

For Koneru Humpy, Anand is God's gift to this world.

"His reaction time in any given position on the board is amazing. It is this spark of genius that separates him from the rest of the world," she remarked. "We were all expecting him to be No.1 for a long time now."

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport