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Ashwin's 'Fanboy' Moment with Chess Legend Anand

Ashwin’s ‘Fanboy’ Moment with Chess Legend Anand

By November 11, 2024 0

Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared a heartwarming moment with chess legend Viswanathan Anand on a flight. Ashwin, a self-proclaimed “fanboy,” posted a picture on Instagram expressing his admiration for Anand, who hails from the same state of Tamil Nadu.

Anand, India’s first chess grandmaster, has achieved remarkable success in the sport, becoming a five-time World Chess Champion. His contributions have paved the way for chess in India, inspiring a generation of players.

Ashwin, known for his exceptional bowling skills in Test cricket, has also ventured into the world of chess. In July, he became the co-owner of the American Gambits franchise in the Global Chess League 2024.

The meeting between Ashwin and Anand sparked excitement among fans, who praised the duo for their achievements in their respective fields. Ashwin’s caption on Instagram read, “A fanboy moment and a flight journey to savour forever with the legendary Vishwanathan Anand.”

Anand’s journey to becoming India’s first chess grandmaster in 1988 was a groundbreaking moment for the sport in the country. He reached the pinnacle of chess, holding the No. 1 ranking for 21 consecutive months.

In 2024, India made history by winning its first-ever gold medals at the Chess Olympiad in both the men’s and women’s categories. This triumph showcased the growing strength of chess in India, a testament to Anand’s influence.

Meanwhile, Ashwin has established himself as one of the greatest bowlers of his generation, particularly in Test cricket. He is currently only 83 wickets behind Anil Kumble among Indian cricketers with the most Test wickets.

Despite India’s recent 0-3 loss to New Zealand in a home Test series, Ashwin remains a key player for the team. He expressed his disappointment over the defeat, calling it a “shattering experience.”

Ashwin is set to feature for India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, starting from November 22. His experience and skill will be crucial as India aims to regain its dominance in Test cricket.

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Praggnanandhaa Defeats Anand in Historic Chess Match

Praggnanandhaa Defeats Anand in Historic Chess Match

By October 16, 2024 0

In 2018, a 13-year-old Praggnanandhaa faced off against five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand in a historic Tata Steel Chess India blitz match. Six years later, they met again in the WR Masters quarter-finals in London, marking their first classical encounter.

Praggnanandhaa, now 19, has emerged as a formidable force in the chess world, becoming the second-youngest GM at the time of his triumph in Kolkata. Today, India boasts 85 GMs, a testament to the growth of the sport in the country.

In their recent match, both classical games ended in draws, setting the stage for an intense Armageddon tiebreaker. Praggnanandhaa, with 10 minutes on the clock, faced Anand’s Black pieces and the need for a win.

Praggnanandhaa employed the Scotch opening, surprising Anand with its early aggression. He quickly gained dominance, threatening a check with 22. Qc3 and looming with a possible Rh7 check. Anand, with limited counterplay, found himself out of ideas and resources.

After 26 moves, Anand extended his hand in resignation, acknowledging the victory of his young opponent. This defeat marked a symbolic triumph for Anand’s legacy, as the solo revolution he initiated has now blossomed into a formidable army of Indian chess players.

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India's Chess Olympiad Triumph: A Promising Start, But More Work Needed for Women's Game

India’s Chess Olympiad Triumph: A Promising Start, But More Work Needed for Women’s Game

By September 26, 2024 0

India’s historic triumph at the Chess Olympiad, with both the men’s and women’s teams securing their first-ever titles, has sparked a wave of excitement and optimism for the future of chess in the country. However, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand cautions that while this is a promising start, there is still much work to be done, particularly in promoting women’s chess.

Anand, who has been a mentor and inspiration to the current generation of Indian chess prodigies, believes that the Olympiad victory will inspire more girls to take up the game. “It’s a very good beginning, but we must continuously keep progressing,” he said. “We need to get more and more girls to play, and this result will hopefully inspire them.”

While the men’s game has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years, with young talents like R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh making waves on the world stage, the women’s game has lagged behind. Anand emphasizes the importance of supporting players at all levels and creating opportunities for them to compete.

“We need to grow the game and increase the base of the pyramid,” he said. “Events like the Global Chess League play a big part in that because they give a lot of people opportunities. Unexpectedly, you might play a much bigger role than you expected. Teams victory, all these things will boost.”

Anand also warns that other countries will be analyzing India’s performance and returning stronger. “Every country goes back and learns lessons,” he said. “The other teams will take their disappointment, they’ll go back and they’ll come back stronger.”

To maintain India’s recent success in chess, Anand believes that it is crucial to tap into the talent at the grassroots level. “We want many more things like this to happen,” he said. “We need to support players at all levels and create opportunities for them to compete.”

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India Eyes First Chess Olympiad Gold in Budapest

India Eyes First Chess Olympiad Gold in Budapest

By September 11, 2024 0

India, the bronze medalist in the previous edition, is poised to make history at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. The Indian team, seeded second, is determined to secure its first standalone gold medal in the prestigious tournament.

Led by Vidit Gujrathi, R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaise, and P Harikrishna, the Indian team boasts a formidable lineup. Despite the absence of legendary Viswanathan Anand, the team is confident in its ability to surpass its previous bronze medal performance.

The Chinese team, featuring reigning World Champion Ding Liren, is the third seed and a strong contender for the title. The tournament format consists of 11 rounds in both the open and women’s sections, with two match points awarded for each victory.

The Indian women’s team, seeded first, is also a strong contender for the podium. Led by D Harika and R Vaishali, the team has a mix of youth and experience. The absence of top Chinese players and the suspension of Russia and Ukraine has cleared the path for India’s women’s team.

The US team, led by Fabiano Caruana, is the top favorite in the open section. Despite missing Hikaru Nakamura, the US team remains a formidable opponent. The Indian men’s team, led by D Gukesh, also has a good chance of performing well.

With a strong team and a clear path to victory, India is poised to make history at the 45th Chess Olympiad. The tournament promises to be an exciting and competitive event, with India aiming to secure its first standalone gold medal.

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Global Chess League Returns to Attract Casual Fans with Innovation and Star Power

Global Chess League Returns to Attract Casual Fans with Innovation and Star Power

By September 10, 2024 0

The world of sports is rapidly embracing the franchise league model, offering a more engaging and lucrative experience for fans. The Global Chess League (GCL), an over-the-board rapid chess league, is poised to attract casual fans in its second season, scheduled for October 3-12 in London.

The inaugural season of the GCL, held in Dubai in 2023, showcased the league’s unique format and focus on spectator engagement. Former world champion Viswanathan Anand believes the league offers a fresh perspective on chess events, with its fast-paced format and emphasis on innovation and technology.

The GCL aims to bridge the gap between the elite players and the broader chess community. Young Indian grandmasters like D Gukesh, Pragganandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi have benefited from the opportunity to learn from legends like Magnus Carlsen. Anand highlights the value of these interactions, where casual conversations can yield valuable insights.

The success of the GCL could inspire similar initiatives in India, where there is a significant gap between top players and the rest. A thriving franchise league system could provide enhanced opportunities for players at all levels.

India’s performance at the upcoming Chess Olympiad is also a topic of interest. The team, featuring a blend of experienced and young players, has the potential to compete for gold. Anand emphasizes the importance of consistency and the unpredictable nature of the Olympiad, where a single mistake can derail a team’s chances.

Magnus Carlsen’s dominance in the Speed Chess Championship 2024 once again demonstrated his exceptional talent. Anand attributes Carlsen’s success to his passion for the game and his willingness to experiment with faster formats.

The GCL and the rise of young Indian chess players are positive developments for the sport. They offer new avenues for engagement, foster growth, and inspire future generations to pursue excellence in chess.

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Indian Prodigy D Gukesh Becomes Youngest World Title Challenger

Indian Prodigy D Gukesh Becomes Youngest World Title Challenger

By April 25, 2024 0

Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has etched his name in history as the youngest challenger to the world title after his triumph at the prestigious Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto. The 17-year-old is the first Indian since the legendary Viswanathan Anand to win the tournament, a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.

Gukesh’s father, Dr. Rajinikanth, a surgeon by profession, made a bold decision to quit his practice to support his son’s chess aspirations. This risky move, initially met with opposition from family, has now borne fruit. “It was a tense moment as the game was fluctuating,” Rajinikanth recalled about the decisive tie. “We were not sure about the result and felt that he should better prepare for the tiebreaks next day.”

However, fate had a different plan. The organizer informed Rajinikanth that the match was over, much to their surprise. “There was a 15-minute delay in broadcast so we weren’t aware of the situation,” he added.

Gukesh’s victory has not only brought him international acclaim but has also inspired young chess players in Tamil Nadu. The legendary Viswanathan Anand, a role model for Gukesh, has played a significant role in fostering the chess culture in the state.

Upon his return from Toronto, Gukesh received a rousing reception from fans at the Chennai airport. Hundreds of students from his school, Velammal Vidyalaya, lined up to greet the champion. “I feel very happy for this homecoming, this is a special achievement,” Gukesh said. “I was in a good space since the beginning of the tournament, I had full confidence that I will emerge top in this tournament and luck was on my side as well.”

Gukesh’s triumph is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of his family and coaches. It is a moment of pride for India and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring chess players around the world.

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17-Year-Old Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh Becomes Youngest Challenger to World Chess Title

17-Year-Old Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh Becomes Youngest Challenger to World Chess Title

By April 23, 2024 0

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh Makes History, Becomes Youngest Challenger to World Chess Title

Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has etched his name in the annals of chess history by becoming the youngest-ever challenger to the world title. The 17-year-old Grandmaster from Chennai scripted history on Monday by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto, Canada.

Gukesh’s triumph is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He played out an easy draw with American Hikaru Nakamura in the 14th and final round to finish with an impressive nine points out of a possible 14. This remarkable achievement has shattered the record previously held by legendary Russian Grandmaster Garry Kasparov for 40 years.

Kasparov, who held the No.1 ranking from 1984 until his retirement in 2005, was bowled over by Gukesh’s historic feat. He hailed it as an “Indian earthquake in Toronto” and a sign of the shifting power dynamics in world chess. Kasparov also credited former world no.1 Viswanathan Anand for Gukesh’s success, saying, “The ‘children’ of Vishy Anand are on the loose!”

Gukesh’s victory is a major milestone for Indian chess. He is only the second Indian after Anand to win the prestigious Candidates Tournament. Anand’s triumph came in 2014, when he was 44 years old.

Gukesh’s journey to the top has been marked by hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of his family and coaches. He became a Grandmaster at the age of 12, making him the second-youngest Indian to achieve the title.

Gukesh’s victory has sent shockwaves through the chess world. He is now set to face Chinese champion Ding Liren in a match for the world title. The match is expected to be a thrilling battle between two of the most talented players in the game.

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Viswanathan Anand's Triumphant Return: A Decade of Indian Dominance in the Candidates

Viswanathan Anand’s Triumphant Return: A Decade of Indian Dominance in the Candidates

By April 21, 2024 0

Viswanathan Anand’s remarkable victory at the 2014 Candidates Tournament stands as a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination. After a crushing defeat to Magnus Carlsen in the 2013 World Championship, Anand faced doubts and skepticism about his ability to compete at the highest level.

Despite his initial reluctance, Anand was persuaded by Vladimir Kramnik to participate in the Candidates. With minimal preparation, he entered the tournament as an underdog. However, Anand’s detached mindset and low expectations proved to be his secret weapon.

In the first round, he stunned tournament favorite Levon Aronian, setting the tone for his dominant performance. Anand remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, securing his victory with a round to spare. His triumph earned him a rematch against Carlsen, although he ultimately fell short in the World Championship.

Anand’s 2014 Candidates victory is widely regarded as one of his greatest achievements. It showcased his ability to overcome adversity and regain his peak form. His legacy continues to inspire Indian chess players, as evidenced by the recent success of Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali, and Humpy at the 2022 Candidates Tournament.

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Indian Teenager Shares Lead in Candidates Tournament, Inspired by Viswanathan Anand

Indian Teenager Shares Lead in Candidates Tournament, Inspired by Viswanathan Anand

By April 12, 2024 0

The Candidates Tournament, a prestigious chess event that determines the challenger for the World Championship, has reached its halfway point with an Indian teenager, Gukesh D, sharing the lead. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the transformative impact of Viswanathan Anand, India’s first chess superstar.

Thirty-three years ago, Anand’s victory in the Candidates match against Soviet player Alexsey Dreev shattered the notion that an Indian could break into the elite chess world. His success inspired a generation of Indian players, including Dibyendu Barua, who became India’s second Grandmaster.

In 1994-95, India hosted the Candidates quarterfinals and semifinals in Sanghinagar, Hyderabad. Anand faced Soviet-born American GM Kamsky in the quarterfinals and held a comfortable lead. However, Kamsky staged a remarkable comeback, winning the next two games and the two rapid playoff games to defeat Anand.

Despite this setback, Anand’s journey continued. He avenged his defeat against Kamsky in the PCA Candidates tournament final and qualified for his first World Championship against Garry Kasparov in 1995. His first World Championship title arrived in 2000, and he went on to become world champion four more times.

Anand’s success has inspired a new generation of Indian chess players, including Gukesh D, Vidit Gujrathi, and Praggnanandhaa R. These young players are now making their mark on the world stage, sharing the lead in the Candidates Tournament and dreaming of following in Anand’s footsteps.

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Ravichandran Ashwin Celebrates 100th Test with Chess Inspiration

Ravichandran Ashwin Celebrates 100th Test with Chess Inspiration

By March 8, 2024 0

Ravichandran Ashwin’s 100th Test milestone was a testament to his exceptional skill and longevity in the sport. The veteran off-spinner marked the occasion with a stellar performance, claiming four wickets as England were bowled out for 218 on the opening day of the fifth Test in Dharamshala.

Ashwin’s achievement was widely celebrated, with the Indian cricket board (BCCI) sharing a video on Twitter where he discussed the influence of chess champion Viswanathan Anand on his game. Ashwin revealed that he had reached out to Anand during the pandemic to discuss chess on his YouTube channel.

Anand, in turn, praised Ashwin’s mental fortitude and strategic thinking, calling him “the chess player amongst the cricketers.” He also shared that Ashwin had sought his advice on improving the mental aspect of his game through chess.

Ashwin’s journey to 100 Tests has been marked by both brilliance and perseverance. He made his debut in 2011 and has since established himself as one of the most successful bowlers in the world. His ability to spin the ball prodigiously and outfox batsmen with his variations has made him a formidable opponent.

Off the field, Ashwin is known for his intelligence and analytical approach to the game. He is an avid reader and has a keen interest in history and philosophy. His ability to think strategically and adapt to different situations has been a key factor in his success.

As Ashwin continues his illustrious career, he remains a role model for aspiring cricketers and a source of inspiration for fans around the world. His 100th Test is a testament to his dedication, skill, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

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