Vishy Anand is the undisputed world champion ...

This is one of the happiest days of my life.

Vishy Anand became the undisputed World Chess Champion today. He achieved this feat in Mexico City in the world championship tournament with formidable opponents like Kramnik, Gelfand, Leko, Svidler, Aronian, Morozevich and Grischuk.

When time permitted, I watched some of his games live (online). It was such a feast! Especially the game against Morozevich had brilliancy prize written all over it. It's remarkable to experience the tension in watching these games live (some may wonder how).

After departure of Gary Kasparov from professional chess world, we wanted a player who could fill that void. Of course both Kramnik and Topalov are capable, but Vishy edges them with his tenacity and longevity promise. Novelties have been his forte for several years. I won't say I like his blitz style while playing classical time control chess games, but that does make him the maverick he is. That brings him the Oscar Awards he has amassed.

He was always there, but not quite. I remember his 1996 loss against Gary Kasparov. Today, he wiped out all of that and at the age of 38, he achieved this crowning glory. I am happy not only because I am a fellow Indian, but also because he was able to overcome those little (very little?) inaccuracies stopping him from getting there. For past almost two years, he seemed to be working on it -- to convert minimal advantage into a full point and to save a game in a must-save situation. I think he is a different player now and has been able to make those subtle modifications. At that level, this is very difficult. First, the numero uno of the Chess world, and now the undisputed champion of it -- Priceless!

Hats off!

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