NEW DELHI: World number one Viswanathan Anand ended his seven-year wait for a second World chess championship crown by taking a short draw against Hungarian Peter Leko in the 14th and final round in Mexico City on Saturday.
Needing just a draw to claim the championship when the final round began, Anand and Leko reeled off 20 moves in quick time, as was anticipated, and shook hands. The draw gave Anand an unsurpassable tally of nine points and the title, worth $3,90,000.
Unlike Anand’s maiden title in Tehran in 2000, the latest conquest makes him the undisputed World champion.
“I am feeling the same way as I did seven years ago,” the 37-year-old champion told The Hindu on Sunday. “This is somewhat special in the sense the competition was very tough and to come out undefeated gives a great feeling.”
Dethroned champion Vladimir Kramnik holds a one-time right to challenge Anand next year over a stipulated number of games.
Anand is expected to come to India in mid-October to a fitting reception.