Friday, August 2, 2019
Biography of Viswanathan Anand
Viswanathan Anand, commonly known as Vishy Anand, is a legendary Indian chess grandmaster who held the World Chess Championship title multiple times. Here is a detailed biography of his life:
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| Biography of Viswanathan Anand |
Early Life:
Viswanathan Anand was born on December 11, 1969, in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India. He grew up in Chennai (formerly Madras) and displayed an early aptitude for chess. His mother, Sushila Viswanathan, introduced him to the game when he was six years old, and he quickly showed remarkable talent.
Viswanathan Anand's Rise in Chess:
Anand's talent was nurtured, and he became the youngest Indian to earn the title of International Master at the age of 15. In 1987, he became the first Asian to win the World Junior Chess Championship. His rapid ascent in the world of chess continued, and in 1988, at the age of 18, he became India's first Grandmaster.
World Chess Championships:
Anand's first World Chess Championship title came in 2000 when he defeated Alexei Shirov. He successfully defended his title in 2007 against Vladimir Kramnik. Anand's most significant achievement came in 2008 when he won the World Chess Championship tournament held in Mexico City, becoming the undisputed World Chess Champion.
He continued to defend his title successfully in subsequent years, notably in 2010 against Veselin Topalov and in 2012 against Boris Gelfand. In 2013, Anand lost the title to Magnus Carlsen but regained it in 2014 by winning the Candidates Tournament, setting the stage for a rematch against Carlsen. However, he lost the 2014 match against Carlsen, which marked the end of his reign as the World Chess Champion.
Legacy and Achievements to Viswanathan Anand:
Anand is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players in the history of the game. He has won numerous prestigious chess tournaments, including the Corus Chess Tournament, Linares Chess Tournament, and the Chess Oscar multiple times.
His adaptability, strategic acumen, and ability to play various styles of chess have earned him respect and admiration in the chess community. Anand is also known for his sportsmanship and humility on and off the chessboard.
Later Career and Retirement:
Anand continued to compete at the highest level even after losing the World Chess Championship title. He remained a formidable opponent in major tournaments and contributed significantly to the Indian chess scene.