Gentleman Finishes First!

He's not the greatest of all times.  Nor is he the most flamboyant.  Even in his own country he's not the most popular champion.  He's not known for his quotable quotes, tantrums or a wild personal life either.  However none would disagree if one called him graceful or a gentleman.  Even his detractors would concur with that.  

He could Blitz for sure.  All the aficionados agreed he was Rapid without doubt.  He could even deliver Knock-Out punches.  But he a Classic champion?  There never was even a word about it.  Even his ardent supporters couldn't vociferously support him on that count.  

Proving everyone wrong and making his greatest fans wishes come true 'Vishy' Viswanathan Anand has become the World Chess Champion in the Classic Format beating Vladimir Kramnik 6.5-4.5 after 11 games.  And he becomes the first Chess player to become a Champion in all formats of the game.  It's more than a creditable achievement for a man who began over two decades ago.  It also is a reflection of the Champion's determination, mental strength and hard work.  

Anand was not the favourite to win this time against Kramnik.  His record against Kramnik is not great.  And his form before the start of the championship was suspect.  He had come into the World Championship with losses elsewhere.  Not many would have placed any bets on him.  The odds were thus certainly against him.  On top of that there were statements after statements from Kramnik and his camp too - of their confidence and their strategies.  As ever, you hardly heard any retorts or comments from the gentleman.  

Kramnik and his camp must have been taken off-guard with the openings and defence strategies (or even the attacks engineered) adopted by Anand.  They were novel, innovative and so un-Anand!  The results they produced?  Even before anybody could gasp or say 'wow', Vishy had established an almost unassailable lead.  Despite a hiccup just before closing out on the World title, Vishy emerged a comfortable winner.  Kramnik never had been trounced thus before.  His wish was fulfilled when he returned to the FIDE fold in 2006.  However his wish to become the undisputed champion met a hitherto unaccustomed hurdle in Vishy.  This sure is no wishy-washy win!  Barring Gary Kasparov now Anand has defeated everyone convincingly.  Unfortunate that Gary and Vishy wouldn't play again though!

Anand's story continues to inspire.  He is a true champion.  His success in the international arena has given a new fillip to Indian chess over the last decade and a half.  His example has produced many champions in the making.  His contribution thus is immeasurable.  He may not have been felicitated as much as many other less-achieved Cricketers.  But his army of admirers only grows steadily.  Congratulations Vishy!  May you always be the Champion you are!