Viswanathan Anand wins World Rapid Chess Championship

KalingaTV News Network

Riyadh: Indian chess ace Viswanathan Anand has won the World Rapid Chess Championship here in Saudi Arabia. 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 48-year-old Indian defeated Fedoseev 2-0 in a two-game tie-break to win the trophy yesterday. He 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.

“The last two rapid events were nothing short of disastrous. I came here in a pessimistic frame of mind. But it has just been the most wonderful surprise. But I played well,” Anand told PTI after his triumph.

President of India Ram Nath Kovind has congratulated Anand for winning the World Rapid Chess Championship.

Congratulations Viswanathan Anand for winning the World Rapid Chess Championship. Such determined pursuit of excellence across decades makes you an inspiration for all of us. India is proud of you #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 29, 2017

Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore has also congratulated Viswanathan Anand on winning the World Rapid Chess Championship.

CONGRATS @vishy64theking on winning the World Rapid #Chess Championship.

Your tenacity, mental fortitude and never-give-up attitude is an inspiration to not just chess players, but all sportspersons.

— RajyavardhanRathore (@Ra_THORe) December 29, 2017