Viswanathan Anand is the King of Chess

Moments after winning the world title, Vishy Anand spoke to Vijay Tagore from Mexico about the win, his performance overall, his goals and, of course, the Chak de fever gripping Indian sport. Excerpts:

Q: Has it sunk in? Are your feet on the ground?
I’m getting used to it. It might take a couple of days to realise what it means to me. Absolute champion, I may need some more time to figure it out completely. But I think I will be normal soon enough.

Q: What does it mean to you?
Don’t ask that question to me yet. I’ve not thought about it. I’ll have enough time think about it I guess. Let me celebrate first.

Q: Ok, let me ask this way. Is it the biggest achievement in your career?
I think the World title in Delhi-Teheran in 2000 was as satisfying. But then, there few other world championships to parallel to this. This time it is the universal championship so being the undisputed and universal champion has to be special.

Q: When did you think the title was in your grasp?
In the last four rounds. I had a substantial lead and I knew I was getting closer to the title. But I never took it for granted till the final round.

Q: Were you confident that it will be as easy as it turned out to be in the final round?
I knew it should not be a problem. I had whites and I had a strong set-up. So it was not difficult. But at no point I was overconfident.

Q: Which was the most satisfying win in the tournament?
All my four wins are equally satisfying. I would not like to single out any particular win. But if you push me, then I’ve to say the 13th round draw against Alexander Grishcuk should be the most satisfying. I had almost messed it up. I had to bring in my best to retrieve my position. After the long draw, I realised that things are under my control but at the same time I thought it was a good wake-up call.

Q: So what next? Are you content or would you have some other goal in mind.
I don’t know yet. When I wake up tomorrow, I will think if there is any other target for me. But sure, there has to be one but I will think it out soon.

Q: Are you thinking of the rematch with Kramnik?
Well, not yet. Just minutes into the win, so I’m not worried about it. I will let myself worry about it some time later.

Q: Any particular person you want to thank for the achievement?
Well, many in fact. My wife Aruna, who has been perfectly balancing things for me. My second Peter Heine Nielsen. We had very successful time. Then you guys, the media, who have been very supportive.

Q: Are you aware of a film called Chak De India?
I guess it is a movie on hockey with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. Yes, I know about it but I’ve not had a chance to see it.

Q: Ok, there is a Chak De fever that has gripped the Indian sport. India have many successes in the recent times — in Nehru Cup football, Asia Cup Hockey...
Yes, I know that. India have had a great time in sports recently.

Q: And Twenty20 World Cup?
No, I could not watch the matches, not because I did not have time but because the time difference was difficult to adjust. I know India won the World Cup in South Africa. Every morning I used to ensure that I’ve not missed out on the latest news.

Q: The big debate right now in India is that non-cricketing disciplines are not getting their due. Some hockey players have also threatened to go on fast against the discrimination. Do you at any time feel that you are getting the recognition you deserve?
I don’t have any complaints.

Q: Do you know you are World champion No. 15, 16, 17, or 18? 
I don’t know and I don’t care about it. It is universal championship with everyone playing under Fide. That is what matters to me.

Q: Ok finally, when are you coming to India?
In two-three weeks time.