Anand returning to India on Thursday
Vijay Tagore
Thursday, November 20, 2008 03:13 IST
MUMBAI: It could be a long flight from Spain to Chennai for Viswanathan Anand. But he will have to wait longer for home food. The world champion, coming home for the first time since he beat Vladimir Kramnik in Bonn last month, is set to be accorded a grand reception at the Chennai Airport.
Anand and his wife Aruna will arrive in Chennai on Lufthansa flight late on Thursday night. The Tamil Nadu Chess Association (TNCA) has made arrangements for a fitting reception for the three-time world champion.
Chennai sources say that Anand will be offered a Poorna Kumbam mariayadha (a traditional Tamil reception generally reserved for the VVIPs). A few Chenai-based Grandmasters will be there to receive Anand.
Anand’s parents, Viswanathan and Sushila. “He is waiting for some Tamil cuisine. I’m going to prepare that,” Anand’s mother said. The reception, interestingly, will be accorded by the TNCA. The All-India Chess Federation, which is also based in Chennai, will organise a felicitation function on December 11, which is also Anand’s birthday.
Meanwhile, Anand is facing strong challenge from Veselin Topalov and Vassily Ivanchuk for the top spot in Elo rating. He is at No 2 with 2790 behind Topalov (2792).
Source: DNA
Anand is a Beginner.
Kramnik is an Elementary player.
Alekhine was a good FIDE Candidate Master.