Anand's family elated at win

Chennai - Viswanathan Iyer, father of five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand, said on Wednesday it was the proudest moment in the family’s life as his son beat Israeli challenger Boris Gelfand to retain the World Championship title for the third consecutive time in Moscow.

“We are very happy. It is the proudest moment of our lives. It is a unique achievement. Gelfand has always been a tough opponent,” said Viswanathan.

Anand sealed his third-consecutive world title beating Gelfand 2.5-1.5 in the four-match tie breaker at Moscow’s State Tretyakov Gallery.

The tournament went into the tie-breaker after Anand and Gelfand drew the 12th game on Monday. They were tied 6-6 after the final round.

Anand went ahead in the tie-breaker after winning the second game in 77 moves following a draw in the first. The first game ended in a draw in 33 moves. The remaining two games ended in draws.

Anand’s mother Susila, who mentored her son during his formative years, was also thrilled with the victory.

“Very thrilled by my son’s win”, said Susila.

Anand’s wife Aruna, who is with her husband in Moscow, said the win was satisfying since it was a close match.

“It is a feeling of satisfaction, it got very close till the end. Both Anand and I understood in a tie-break anything could happen. But we hoped for the best. The focus was only on chess,” said Aruna.

“Lot of hardwork has gone into this win. Months and months of preparation have finally paid off. It takes a lot out of you,” she said.

Anand will receive $1.5 million, while challenger Gelfand bags $1 million.