A young Vishy! We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. Missing from the competition were Kasparov, Karpov, and newly-minted classical champion, , thus making Anand the top-rated player in the knockout tournament. And even at that age he remains a regular top-10 presence on the rating list, achieving the ninth spot in October 2019. Missing from the competition were Kasparov, Karpov, and newly-minted classical champion Vladimir Kramnik, thus making Anand the top-rated player in the knockout tournament. Viswanathan Anand’s entire life story is an inspiration. Her support helped him achieve new heights in his career. Anyone can play fast, but it takes a special talent to play quickly and accurately at the very highest levels for decades. Although Kramnik officially conceded the championship title after losing the tournament to Anand, he later expressed some reservations, stating, “At present, I take the view that I have just lent Anand the title temporarily.” Anand defended the title against Kramnik in a 12-game match scheduled from October 14 to November 2, 2008, in Bonn, Germany. Anand played in both championship cycles from 1993 to 1995. Anand has always impressed everyone with his quick thinking and fast moves. Anand had now won the undisputed world championship in both a tournament and match format, more than cementing the FIDE crown he had won to begin the decade. In the first half of the tournament, Anand won three games—defeating Levon Aronian in the second round, Svidler in the fifth, and Alexander Grischuk in the seventh—without taking a loss. Anand’s success has also served to reignite the popularity of chess in its place of birth, India. It is all about controlling your mind, that is what Anand can do at the highest level, and that is why he is Anand. After dominating the game for years, Anand finally found an opponent who could match up to him. The most notable aspect of Anand’s career has to be his longevity. In terms of his play at the board, Anand made an early name for himself as one of the game’s quickest players. Anand began playing chess at six years old after learning the game from his mother. Anand’s opponent in 2012, in a bit of an upset, was Gelfand, and they fought to a 6-6 score through 12 games before Anand won in rapid tiebreaks. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vishwanathan-Anand, IndiaNetzone - Biography of Viswanathan Anand, ILoveIndia.com - Biography of Viswanathan Anand, Viswanathan Anand - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). There Anand beat Alexei Dreev 4½-1½ in the opening round, but he would draw former champion Karpov next. Viswanathan Anand, (born December 11, 1969, Madras [now Chennai], India), Indian chess master who won the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE; international chess federation) world championship in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012. His collection of luxury cars is valued to be around 2 crores. In 2014, the Russian government awarded him the Order of Friendship for the development of economic, scientific, and cultural ties with Russia. You cannot be a sportsperson for any other reason other than the fact that you like the sport”, Anand told The Telegraph.