Living legend And silences critics winning World Rapid Championship

Cheni, Dec 29: Silencing those who cite his age, India's Viswathan And, a five-time World Chess Champion, on Thursday presented himself a world title as a belated birthday gift.

Much to the delight of his fans in India and the world over, the 48-year-old And won The King Salman World Rapid Championship in Riyadh, proving his mastery in the 64-square board game once again.

"Becoming world champion again is the most amazing feeling," And tweeted.

Known as the 'lightening kid' during his school days, And convincingly won the world rapid tourment to bring back a world chess title to the tion that gave the world the game itself.

"I was happy on hearing the news. He played against an incredibly strong field and won the title undefeated," Aru And, the champion's wife, told IANS.

She said And goes to tourment with an open mind and will not say anything about his chances of winning a tourment.

"During the tourment, And was more focused. He won crucial games at the right time," Aru remarked.

V. Ravichandran, a tiol B player and who had played with And during their school days, said: "I was very much excited after seeing And win the title online. It is a great achievement at this age.

"He is the living legend of the Indian sport," Bharat Singh Chauhan, Secretary of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), told IANS.

"We believe in And's ability. I was tracking And at the world rapid tourment from round one. After his win against World Champion Magnus Carlsen, we were confident that And would win the title," Chauhan said.

According to him, AICF would hold a grand felicitation function honouring And.

Chauhan said rapid games in fact are much more taxing mentally and physically.

Meanwhile, wishes are pouring in for And from people in different walks of life.

"Congratulations Viswathan And for winning the World Rapid Chess Championship. Such determined pursuit of excellence across decades makes you an inspiration for all of us. India is proud of you," Indian President Ram th Kovind tweeted.

Prime Minister rendra Modi, in a tweet, said: "Congratulations @vishy64theking! You've proven your mettle time and again. Your tecity inspires us. India is proud of your exemplary success at the World Rapid Chess Championship!"

"Heartiest congratulations to Vishwathan And @vishy64theking for winning the World Rapid Chess Championship. We are proud of you," former President Prab Mukherjee tweeted.

"Congratulations to @vishy64theking on winning the World Rapid Chess Championship. India is proud of you," was a tweet from the Office of Rahul Gandhi, Congress President.

And's long-time former rival and Russian legend Garry Kasparov felt that the latest win will help the Indian stun his critics.

"Congratulations to the man from the sixties, @vishy64theking, on his World Rapid title! I hope you dedicated this latest victory to everyone who has asked you when you were going to retire!," he said. IANS