The dispute is over. Viswanathan Anand is world chess champion without a shadow of a doubt. The Indian overcame a spirited challenge from Vladimir Kramnik of Russia by drawing Game 11 of the 12-game series in Bonn on Wednesday to put at rest questions about his ability to perform against quality opposition in match-play.
A 6.5-4.5 win in the series against Kramnik gave him the world title for the third time, his first in match-play.
When he won the world title in Tehran (2000) and Mexico (2007) in tournaments, he had not got the credit he deserved. On the first occasion, Kasparov was still active, winning in classical chess. In 2007, Kramnik had already become a champion having beaten Kasparov in 2000 and subsequently other contenders as well in match-play.
Even when Kramnik finished behind Anand in the 2007 world championship, Kramnik had challenged Anand to beat him in the 2008 unification match to be acknowledged as the real world champion. "I have lent Anand the title temporarily," he had declared then.
Anand’s retort was over the board and not through words. He planned his assault perfectly, prepared well for the match in Bonn and won in style. He would probably regain his No 1 world ranking soon, though his Bonn victory would not give him more than 12 or 15 points. More significantly, he has added a new dimension to his chess and can claim he is currently the best all-round player at the moment.
"A great job done, my son", exulted the proud father of Vishwanathan Anand who retained the world chess crown defeating Vladimir Kramnik of Russia in Bonn on Wednesday.
Vishwanathan said the family had been tense for the last few days and the result is a great relief. The father said "it was a lone battle Anand had fought. Today, he has the entire nation behind him".
Anand’s achievements so far:
1985: Arjuna Award, Outstanding Indian Sportsman (Chess)
1987: Padma Shri, youngest ever recipient
1991-92: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, first ever recipient
1997: Chess "Oscar" Best Chess Player of 1997
1998: Chess "Oscar" Best Chess Player of 1998
1998: Sportstar Millenium Award, from India’s premier Sports magazine for being the sportperson of the millenium
2000: Padma Bhushan, for being the first Asian to win the World Championship
2003: Chess "Oscar" Best Chess Player of 2003
2004: Chess "Oscar" Best Chess Player of 2004
2007: World Chess Champion (undisputed)
2007: Was awarded the second highest civilian award of India, the Padma Vibhushan.
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