Chess fraternity pays tribute to Anand

New Delhi - Indian Grandmasters Parimarjan Negi and Krishnan Sasikaran hailed Viswanathan Anand for his incredible fifth World Chess Championship title after the Indian defeated Israeli challenger Boris Gelfand in a rapid-chess tie-breaker in Moscow on Wednesday.

“It was a great win and I want to congratulate him,” said Negi, India’s youngest GM.

Negi, who is also world’s second youngest GM, said he always looked up to Anand as an idol while growing up.

“I was inspired by Anand. I have always been motivated by him. As a five-year-old, it was great to know that an Indian was best in the world. Anand is definitely one of the best in rapid chess,” he said.

Negi said he was touched when Anand called him to congratulate on becoming the youngest Indian GM.

“He personally called me to congratulate me when I became India’s youngest GM. It was a great gesture and a big honour for me,” said Negi.

Anand sealed his fourth-consecutive world title beating Gelfand 2.5-1.5 in the four-match tie breaker at Moscow’s State Tretyakov Gallery. The tournament went into the tie-breaker after Anand and Gelfand drew the 12th game Monday. They were tied 6-6 after the final round.

Anand went ahead in the tie-breaker after winning the second game in 77 moves following a draw in the first. The first game ended in a draw in 33 moves. The remaining two games ended in draws.

Sasikaran said Anand showed great character in winning the title despite losing the seventh round.

“Anand has become a great fighter. After losing a game (seventh) he came back so strongly. He played the match defensively,” said Sasikaran.

Speaking about Anand’s personality, Sasikaran said: “He’s quite a simple and humble person. He is a very easy person to talk to and has a great sense of humour.”