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Saturday, June 16, 2012
World Chess Champion Vishy Anand: No Plans to Retire Yet!
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
In an interesting interview to mediapersons on the occasion of a felicitation function in Chennai on Sunday, World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand has said that he has no plans to retire yet and, in fact, his morale is on a high after beating a "complicated" Boris Gelfand to notch up his fifth world title.
"There are definitely no thoughts of retirement. In fact quite the opposite. (Winning a fifth world title) has been a huge boost to my morale. As long as I enjoy, I don't see any reason to retire," Anand told reporters during a felicitation function organised by his long-time sponsors NIIT in Chennai on Sunday.
Anand defeated Israeli Boris Gelfand in the World Championship match a few days ago to successfully defend his world title. "I am still enjoying the game having just defended my title. Winning in Moscow meant a lot emotionally. It's not only about records. It's just that you hate losing and you love winning. I am looking forward to playing chess and winning tournaments," Anand said.
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
In the very frenzied, attacking, and spectacular rapid chess being played at the Batumi Women's World Rapid, we did not miss keeping track of where World Chess Champion India's Viswanathan Anand and his Challenger Israel's Boris Gelfand were!
As expected, there are hundreds of reports on the Internet as the two very talented chess players were received in their respective countries to a grand welcome.
World chess champion Viswanathan Anand was greeted by fans at the Chennai airport on Saturday as he reached home after winning his fifth world chess championship title. Officials from the Indian Chess Federation and Anand's family members were also there to greet him. Anand's press conferences have already become a big source of discussion in the Indian media.
Meanwhile, Boris Gelfand too landed at the Ben Gurion Airport to be greeted by fans and family members in Israel. His chess friends and chess federation officials were there as well. Gelfand also had his baggage trolley missing for a while, but it was recovered soon enough. In reference to the World Chess Championship, Gelfand said, "I was truly excited, and I hope this will elevate chess in Israel to its rightful place. I think it's a very good thing for the public that every child will know what chess is."
I'm proud to be a part of India's rediscovery of chess: Viswanathan Anand
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Newly-crowned World champion Viswanathan Anand has been the face of Indian chess for more than two decades and the five-time title holder said he was proud to be a part of India's rediscovery of chess. He was speaking at the press conference after the closing ceremony.
Asked about his role in giving a fillip to Indian chess, Anand said: "When I grew up there was not much chess scene in India but I was lucky that whatever chess scene was there, the centre was in Chennai. We benefited from the fact that the Soviet cultural centre was in Chennai.
"We had a bunch of enthusiasts who would come on Sunday and play blitz the whole day. They were also very committed, they would organise weekend tournaments and I used to play and with constant practice I started to become better.
"I am very proud that India rediscovered chess then. I am proud to have played a big role in that discovery. I could feel it because when I became world junior champion and then the Grand master, we could see that chess was certainly becoming popular in India.
"So, I am very happy that India was taking to chess again in a big way. Right now, we have a lot of depth both in men and women's game, a lot of people are taking part," he added.
Asked about his contribution to India's growth which coincided with his rising career, Anand said: "As for tying myself with India's growth that I am a little reluctant. You never know who is inspiring whom. But lets say, at least it happened almost at the same time.
"India had this big moment in 1991 after which economy started expanding vigorously, well lets just say that it all happened almost at the same time," he said.
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Of course by now the Internet and international media is flooded with news reports of the 2012 Anand-Gelfand World Chess Championship. There are so many lovely videos to watch and articles to read. We are trying to bring only the best to you. Here are two more videos for you to enjoy. Both are from the tiebreak day.
Stay tuned for all the latest chess news and chess updates with Chess Blog. We have the Tal Chess Memorial coming up and the Batumi Women's World Chess Rapid and Blitz beginning.
'Russian Chess Link' - Anand Tells Putin the Truth!
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, shakes hands with World Chess champion Viswanathan Anand from India, right, and Boris Gelfand of Israel in the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, Thursday, May 31, 2012. Putin has met with the new world chess champion Viswanathan Anad and runner-up Boris Gelfand over a cup of tea in his residence. Indias Anand beat Gelfand of Israel on Wednesday 2.5-1.5 in a rapid tiebreaker following a 6-6 draw. (AP Photo/RIA Novosti, Alexei Druzhinin, Government Press Service)
According to Vosizneias report, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has met with world chess champion Viswanathan Anand and runner-up Boris Gelfand over a cup of tea in his residence. Putin lauded both players for “an outstanding game.”
India’s Anand beat Gelfand of Israel on Wednesday 2.5-1.5 in a rapid tiebreaker following a 6-6 draw played at the Tretyakov Gallery, one of Russia’s finest museums.
Anand told Putin over tea Thursday that he had learned to play chess in a Soviet cultural center in his hometown when he was a child. “So we brought this on ourselves!” Putin said.
Israeli Chess Fans Include PM Benjamin Netanyahu - Anand, Gelfand World Chess Match 2012
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
A chess news report from Jerusalem states that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - an amateur chess player and an enthusiast of the game - actually followed Game 12 live of the Anand, Gelfand World Chess Championship 2012 on Monday!
Mr Netanyahu watched the game on a giant screen installed in a room in his office. He shared game 12 comments with Natan Sharansky, a former minister who used to be a promising chess player as a child.
The Israeli Premier had met Grandmaster Gelfand in March 2010 when he played a match against him and Natan Sharansky. A lot of amateur and professional Israeli chess players as well as enthusiasts also gathered at the centre of Israel to watch the match on a big screen. The two players are tied at 6-6 points after 12 games and the champion will now be decided in tie-breakers.
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The 12 games in the 2012 Anand Gelfand World Chess Championship have ended in Moscow on Monday. The match is tied at 6-6 and now heads for the tiebreaks to be played on Wednesday. You can watch the tiebreaks live on the official website from Moscow time 1200 hours.
Meanwhile, here is a quiz. Can you recognize these five positions from the 12 games played at the 2012 Anand-Gelfand World Chess Championship in Moscow? Just guess the Game number and click on the photo to go to the Chess King detailed analysis of the moves and game. Happy Chess Guessing!
Can You Name the Game? (Click on Photo to see answer at Chess King.)
History at 2012 World Chess Championship - Speed Chess Tiebreak to Decide World Chess Champion
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
The final game in the 2012 World Chess Championship has been played. The score is tied at 6-6. Viswanathan Anand and Boris Gelfand head for the first-time-in-history speed chess tiebreak to decide the top title.
Game 12 was much like the previous two games — the players got the Queens off early and let the game dribble down into a draw. There was excellent live broadcast of Game 12 at the official website. The 14th World Chess Champion, Vladimir Kramnik, was in the commentary box. Check out the complete analysis of the game with Chess King.
Game 11 is a Draw Too - Are We Headed to Tiebreaks?
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Today’s penultimate game of the 2012 World Chess Championship between challenger Boris Gelfand and champion Viswanathan Anand ended in yet another draw. Materially at the end Black was a pawn up, which was offset by White’s Bishop pair with pawns on both sides of the board. Even the world’s strongest commercial chess program Houdini 2 Pro finds no way for either player to make headway. The match score now stands at 5.5. all, with one game left to play. See the analysis with Chess King and Houdini.
2012 Anand, Gelfand World Chess - Game 9 and 10 Videos
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Friday is a rest day at the 2012 World Chess Championship Match, but here are the chess videos of Game 9 and 10. Videos from Moscow by the renowned producer Vijay Kumar and analysis of games 9 and 10 by GM Danielsen for Chessdom.com. Enjoy.
Chess King Analyses Anand-Gelfand 2012 World Title Match Game 10 With Houdini
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Life went back to the usual at the World Chess Championship Match as Israel's challenger Boris Gelfand and reigning world chess champion India's Viswanathan Anand chose to draw their Game 10 on Thursday. Friday is a rest day and the last two games of the main match would be played on Saturday and Monday. If the match is still not decided by then, the tiebreaks would be played on Wednesday. Stay tuned to the live broadcast of Games 11 and 12 at the official website.
Meanwhile, head over to Chess King for an analysis of Game 10 with the world's strongest chess engine - Houdini.
Anand the Favorite for Chess Title: Former Russian Team Coach
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Here is another opinion by none other than former Russian national chess team coach Evgeny Bareev. He told Ria Novosti that India's Viswanathan Anand is the "overwhelming favorite" to retain his world chess title after the score was tied after eight games. After six consecutive draws in the 12-match series, Gelfand took the lead on Sunday, registering his first win over Anand in 19 years. But Anand hit back Monday after the Israli surrendered following the 17th move.
The series is finely poised at four-four with four games to go, but Bareev said the momentum is with the defending champion.
"If the result was 4-4 after eight draws I would say that the chances are equal," Bareev said. "But with the 4-4 result after the two last games I would say that Anand is the overwhelming favorite in the contest."
Bareev expects Anand's confidence to build.
"It's one thing when Boris [Gelfand] conducts the match according to his plan, playing for comfortable draws," Bareev said.
"But now it will be extremely difficult for him to return to that state, to turn the tide of the match. Moreover, I don't believe any more that Anand will be as bad as at the start of the match. I believe that the eighth game will have given him confidence and additional strength."
If the score remains equal after 12 games, a tie-breaker will be held May 30, with the grandmasters playing four matches with a shortened time limit of 60 minutes per player.
If that fails to determine a winner, it turns to Armageddon, whereby the white gets five minutes compared with just four for black, who is named the winner in the event of a draw. Anand is considered especially strong at blitz chess. Regardless of how the result is decided, the winner will receive $1.5 million, while the loser will earn $1 million.
Anand, 42, has held the undisputed World Chess Champion title since October 2008, when he defeated Russia's Vladimir Kramnik in Bonn, Germany. He defended his title in 2009 by beating Bulgarian opponent Veselin Topalov 6.5–5.5 in Sofia.
Gelfand, 43, gained the right to become the world title contender after a win last May against Russia's Alexander Grischuk at a contenders' tournament in Kazan, Russia. From Alexandra Kosteniuk's www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at www.chessqueen.com
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Jerusalem: Israeli Grandmaster Boris Gelfand - the challenger to take on the might of World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand in Moscow - has one very avid fan! His wife Maya says she is confident about her husband's triumph against his Indian opponent. "I disregard other people's opinions. I know he can win," Maya said after Gelfand lost to Anand to level the scores at 4-4 in the 12-games encounter.
Boris is focused, he is very tense, he is gathering all his strength. He has no time for excitement, it is time to work," she told news portal 'Ynet'. Meanwhile, a lot of Israelis have gathered in Moscow to show their support Gelfand, even though chess is not among the popular sports in the country. From Alexandra Kosteniuk's www.chessblog.com Also see her personal blog at www.chessqueen.com
Chess Figures of the 20th Century - Special Exhibition in Moscow
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Here is a nice article by Joy Neumeyer about a special exhibition on chess.
Until June 24 at the Multimedia Art Museum, Moscow, 16 Ul. Ostozhenka, m. Kropotkinskaya, www.mamm-mdf.ru Open Tue.-Sun., noon-9 pm
It’s a chess-stravaganza at the Multimedia Art Museum, which is honoring this month’s World Chess Championship in Moscow with an exhibition devoted to the game. The exhibition features hundreds of photographs of Russian grandmasters such as Viktor Korchnoi, Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov playing in major championships and friendly matches, accompanied by detailed commentary. Vintage match posters and chess sets are also on display, including 19th-century antiques and the first Soviet set, Gorod i Derevnya (“City and Town”).
Visitors can catch two chessthemed films. “Chess Fever,” a 1925 comedy by Vsevolod Pudovkin, follows a man whose love of chess causes him to miss his own wedding; it includes an appearance by chess legend Jose Raul Capablanca as himself. “Grandmaster,” a 1972 drama featuring Viktor Korchnoi, was removed from distribution after Korchnoi defected to the West.
The museum provides chess sets for those inspired to play a match. In June, grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik will face off against children for a mini-championship in the exhibition hall; check the website for the date and time.
2012 World Chess Championship Anand-Gelfand Game 6 Drawn Too
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Friday's sixth game of the 2012 World Chess Championship between champion Viswanathan Anand and challenger Boris Gelfand marked the halfway point of the twelve game match. And, with the sixth consecutive drawn game, the score now stands tied at 3-3.
In the sixth game, the opponents once again played the Slav Defence. This time the challenger opted for the variation 6.Qc2 instead of 6.b3. The game developed further on quietly: Black got an isolated pawn in the centre, but it was compensated for by a somewhat passive position of the white pieces. Soon the d5-pawn was exchanged and the position simplified. By move 25 each side had a rook and a bishop of the same colour remaining on the board. The resulting endgame was estimated as drawn and four moves later the contenders agreed to a draw.
On Friday, Garry Kasparov, the 13th world champion, was the honoured guest at the match. At the press conference, Garry readily answered many questions from the journalists in great detail. Then he joined first the English-speaking commentators, Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam and Peter Svilder, and after that the Russian-speaking commentators, Ilya Smirin and Alexander Grischuk, and took part in analyzing the game. Later Kasparov went down to the chess courtyard where he played a simul against young talented Russian chess players.
World Chess Championship 2012 - Anand, Gelfand Draw Game 5
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
As fans were so desperate to see, reigning world chess champion Vishy Anand played 1.e4 in the fifth game of the world chess championship currently in progress in Moscow. However, the result was yet another draw.
In the fifth game of the match the world champion changed the opening and played 1.e4. The challenger was ready and immediately played 1…c5. The Chelyabinsk Variation of the Sicilian Defence was played out very quickly. On the 20th move, a technical position with bishops of opposite colours appeared on the board, and as soon as the 26th move was played, the opponents agreed to a draw. The match score is equal – 2.5-2.5.
Tomorrow, on May 18, the sixth game of the match will be played with Boris Gelfand having the white colour. You can watch the championship live at the official website.
For a complete analysis with Houdin and all the Game 5 moves in the fantastic Chess King gameplayer, check out the special Chess King page at:
World Chess Championship 2012 - Anand Plays White in First Game
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Are you keeping track of the World Chess Championship 2012 in Moscow at the official website? A nice video collage and that of the ceremony is now available at the official website.
Photo: Chessdom.com
During the opening ceremony held in the Mikhail Vrubel Hall, Russian and Indian anthems were played. Arkadij Dvorkovich and Irina Lebedeva, director of the playing hall, welcomed the guests. There were rapid photo shoots and a welcome speech by FIDE President Ilyumzhinov. Anand and Gelfand sat next to each other. Anand picked White for the first game. Later, Denis Matsuev took the stage for a music performance.
Interesting Chess Headlines About 2012 Anand, Gelfand World Chess Match
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Photo from Wednesday when the two players conducted an inspection of the playing hall in Tretyakov Art Gallery.
As but obvious, the upcoming 2012 World Chess Championship Match between current reigning chess champion Viswanathan Anand and his challenger Boris Gelfand is all over the news. Just a day ahead of the first game (opening ceremony today), here are some interesting last-minute report and news links on the chess match. You can access the official website of the event at http://moscow2012.fide.com/en/
World chess title: Humpy expects an interesting contest Asian Age: “In the last two instances, Anand played against younger opponents, but now, he will be meeting Boris Gelfand, who is an year older than him, I expect an exciting series,” said Humpy.
Anand defence of world chess title to begin today IBNLive: Moscow - Current world champion Viswanathan Anand of India will be up against Boris Gelfand of Israel in the World Chess Championship, starting in Moscow from Thursday.
Has 2012 World Chess Championship Anand vs Gelfand Begun a Day Earlier?
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Going by the photo we are tempted to assume that the 2012 World Chess Championship has begun a day earlier as current world chess champion Vishy Anand and challenger Boris Gelfand sit across the chess board. But, that's not so. This photo is from the inspection that the two teams conducted on Wednesday, a day before the official opening ceremony. In fact, both the grandmasters visited the venue at the same time. You can find lots of photos at the official website of this grand chess event. There would be live broadcast from the playing hall as well.
Do you know who will be the commentators and guests of honour at the event?On each day of play there will be commentary on the games in Russian by grandmaster Ilya Smirin (Israel), and he’ll be joined by a number of colleagues: Sergei Rublevsky on 11–12 May, Dmitry Yakovenko on 14 May, Viorel Bologan on 15 May, Alexander Grischuk on 17–18, 20 and 23–24 May, Peter Svidler on 21 and 26 May, and Vladimir Kramnik on 28 May.
The regular commentator in English will be Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam, editor in chief of New in Chess, and other commentators working with the English-speaking audience will be Nigel Short on 11–12 May, Jan Timman on 14–15 May, Joel Lautier on 17 May, Peter Svidler on 18, 23–24 and 28 May, Peter Leko on 20–21 May, and Vladimir Kramnik on 26 May.
The world champions Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov, the long-standing challenger for the champion’s title Viktor Korchnoi, the world’s oldest grandmaster Yuri Averbakh, the composer Vladimir Dashkevich, the pianist Nikolai Lugansky and other prominent chess players and cultural figures have agreed to be guests of honour at the match.
Don't go anywhere, stay with us right here on Chess Blog and we would keep you surfing in the right direction for all the latest on the 2012 Vishy-Gelfand World Chess Match.
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