Viswanathan Anand in Seychelles

October 13, 2017

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Viswanathan Anand in Seychelles

We bring you a chess story from the beautiful island of Seychelles on GM Viswanathan Anand’s recent visit. Story has been done by Sergey Prokopyev who was one of the participants in the simultaneous event. Photos by Dericka Figaro.

A few facts about the GM Viswanathan Anand.

15th World Chess Champion (2007 – 2013)
The only World Chess Champion from India
6 chess Oscars awarded

Simultaneous

This simultaneous against 14 players was held on 7th October 2017 as part of the celebration of the day of the Seychelles-Indian friendship in the Congress Hall of the National Library.

GM Viswanathan Anand is introduced to the crowd.

Anand, despite his numerous titles, love and adoration of 1.5 billion Indians and the same number of people around the world, gives the impression of an open, friendly person with a disarming smile and a keen mind.

His down to earth demeanor answers questions, explains in detail to young chess lovers how to prepare for the tournament or how not to worry about a crushing defeat, but in the game he will intelligently cut you without pain!

To the words “it’s an honor for me to play with you” he just smiles with his trademark smile and shakes your hand tightly. Chess experts call his style of play universal, chess flair, intuition and calculating speed are outstanding.

Madras Tiger

Behind the board, this good-natured, intelligent-looking vegetarian with spectacles and with a benevolent smile turns into a ‘Madras Tiger’, as Western journalists called him, ready to tear you apart.

Viswanathan Anand with dignitaries of the Society of Seychelles-Indian Friendship.

From the opening to the very end of the game, which lasted more than 50 moves, he did not give me a chance of any counter play. I felt like a kid, which a tiger plays with, when he is not in a hurry and wants to enjoy fully the anticipation of a delicious meal.

Viswanathan Anand v Sergey Prokopyev

Anand won all the games, but the pleasure of his energy, love of life and devotion to this ancient Indian game was received by everyone, even those who did not shake hands with the Indian GM and did not move the chess pieces.

Appreciation

Special gratitude to the Chairman of the Chess Federation Benjamin Hoareau, the International Arbiter Bernardette Contoret, as well as to the Society of Seychelles-Indian Friendship, thanks to whom this remarkable event took place.

Dear Vishy! Seychelles loves you and waits again, especially since you agreed to become an honorary Ambassador of Seychelles in India and the Chess World.

I asked Anand if he is going to return the World Chess Crown to India? He smiled and simply answered “We are working on this issue”.

Good luck to you, Vishy!