I tried reaching out to him the moment the match was done but, understandably, his phone was busy. In fact, soon after, he responded saying his phone was constantly ringing and he’d get back soon. True to his word as always, 15 minutes or so later, Viswanathan Anand called back to have a conversation about this historic achievement in the history of Indian chess.
Gukesh Dommaraju, all of 18 years and eight months old, winning the world championship has to be one of the greatest achievements in the history of Indian sport.
Excerpts from the conversation:
Boria: Vishy, we finally have a second world champion – 18 years of age and the youngest ever. We all felt it was a draw, and you said as much to me. Your first reaction at what transpired?
Anand: Yes, I was watching, and at one point, I felt there was not much of a chance for either player and in all likelihood, it was a draw. There was no real opportunity for anyone to win. But at times, even when there is no real chance, you need to keep trying. That’s how sport is. You don’t just give up. It is not over till it is actually over. Gukesh kept trying and then Ding [Liren] blundered, opening things up for Gukesh. Today, he won the world championship not just because of the way he played but also because of his attitude.
Boria: Can you put it in context how important this is from the perspective of the sport in India?
Anand: We now have a generation of players. Even Gukesh, having become world champion at the age of 18, has the best part of his career ahead of him. This entire generation of players – Gukesh, Arjun [Erigaisi], Pragg [R Praggnanandhaa] – the sport is very strong at the moment, and I am pleased that not just personally, but also through the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy, I have had a role to play in it. This world championship win means the youth of the country will continue to engage with the sport and that’s really very good news. It keeps you engaged with the sport and that’s the big gain from this huge achievement.
Boria: A lot of players who I spoke to had said that Gukesh was the overwhelming favorite. But it did not turn out that way. Were you surprised with Ding’s resilience?
Anand: No, I wasn’t. I had always felt that Ding wouldn’t be a pushover. I had in fact believed that Ding would rise to the occasion and that’s exactly what happened. But it was always going to be that one of them would lose a dramatic game and then there could be a comeback. In that sense it was a very interesting match and it is a pity it had to end like this for Ding. But, as I said, you have to give credit to Gukesh. He was rewarded today for his attitude. That’s what won him the world championship. Many would have taken the draw but he did not. And that’s what paid off for him.
Boria: Final question. Gukesh winning the Candidates. Arjun crossing 2800 in the ratings. Twin golds in the Olympiad. And now this. Clearly, the sport is in the best shape ever in India. What does the future hold according to you?
Anand: Look, it will be near impossible to top this result. In fact, I’d say not possible. It has been the greatest year ever. But I will be really delighted if I am proved wrong. From the standpoint of the sport, if I am proved wrong, it will be the best thing for Indian chess going forward.