By Ritika Gupta
Hyderabad/Bonn
Oct. 29: Viswanathan Anand retained the world title with a 24-move draw against Russian Vladimir Kramnik in the penultimate game of the 12-game World Chess Championship final in Bonn on Wednesday.
The Indian, playing with white pieces, took an unbeatable 6.5-4.5 lead to retain the title.
Needing just half-a-point to retain the title, Anand was expected to go for a draw. He did so after 24 moves even as Kramnik tried his best to complicate the game.
Chess circles in the country were ecstatic. The black and white colours of the chessboard now lead him to larger luminosity as India celebrates the festival of lights with a big present — Anand’s title.
For Anand’s parents, it was a glorious moment. "It is a very happy moment for us and our country. Anand has lived upto the expectations of the country," they told this newspaper.
"It’s a satisfactory finish. He played remarkably well. Every father expects his son to be victorious, and he has just made me proud," said father Vishwanathan.
Mother Sushila added: "Anand’s victory is the biggest Diwali gift to the family and the nation as well. He is not only a world-class player but a world-class person."
The chess fraternity was brimming with pride and joy. "I’m really glad Anand has won. Unfortunately I could not be there for the match, but have been following it closely. He’s been playing brilliantly. It must be real surprise for Kramnik, who is also an excellent player, but Anand rules," said junior world chess champion Dronavalli Harika.
She added: "Anand won by a broad margin. He is really talented and plays the game with incredible calculation."
Former world junior champion Hari Krishna said it was "a thrilling experience". He told this newspaper from Germany: "I was there at the moment of victory. It was a great feeling for us Indians."
Hyderabad/Bonn
Oct. 29: Viswanathan Anand retained the world title with a 24-move draw against Russian Vladimir Kramnik in the penultimate game of the 12-game World Chess Championship final in Bonn on Wednesday.
The Indian, playing with white pieces, took an unbeatable 6.5-4.5 lead to retain the title.
Needing just half-a-point to retain the title, Anand was expected to go for a draw. He did so after 24 moves even as Kramnik tried his best to complicate the game.
Chess circles in the country were ecstatic. The black and white colours of the chessboard now lead him to larger luminosity as India celebrates the festival of lights with a big present — Anand’s title.
For Anand’s parents, it was a glorious moment. "It is a very happy moment for us and our country. Anand has lived upto the expectations of the country," they told this newspaper.
"It’s a satisfactory finish. He played remarkably well. Every father expects his son to be victorious, and he has just made me proud," said father Vishwanathan.
Mother Sushila added: "Anand’s victory is the biggest Diwali gift to the family and the nation as well. He is not only a world-class player but a world-class person."
The chess fraternity was brimming with pride and joy. "I’m really glad Anand has won. Unfortunately I could not be there for the match, but have been following it closely. He’s been playing brilliantly. It must be real surprise for Kramnik, who is also an excellent player, but Anand rules," said junior world chess champion Dronavalli Harika.
She added: "Anand won by a broad margin. He is really talented and plays the game with incredible calculation."
Former world junior champion Hari Krishna said it was "a thrilling experience". He told this newspaper from Germany: "I was there at the moment of victory. It was a great feeling for us Indians."