Anand is World Champion

From:English.news.cn 2010-05-14 07:34:50



SOFIA, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Defending champion Viswanathan Anand, 40, was officially crowned here on Thursday as the world chess champion for the 2010-2011.

The Indian grandmaster retained his title against Veselin Topalov in 12-game match achieving 6.5 points while the challenger managed to get 5.5 points.

Chief Arbiter Panaqiotis Nikolopoulos declared Anand the world champion at the official closing ceremony attended by Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, head of the organizing committee, and the FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.

Ilyumzhinov crowned Anand with winner's ribbon, laurel wreath and a gold medal, Borisov gave him a Cup, and the organizing committee greeted Anand with his favorite song.

Checks from the price fund, 1.2 million euros (about 1.6 million dollars) for Anand and 800,000 euros (about 1.07 million dollars) for Topalov, were not provided to them at this ceremony.

"It was not so heavy for eight-million Bulgaria to lose with one point only against one-billion India," Borisov told the ceremony.

"We are ready for revenge," Borisov added.

The first game in this match started on April 24 when Topalov with whites won. Followed Anand's victory, a tie and a second success for Anand.

Fifth, sixth and seventh game were draws but Topalov came back into the match winning the eight game for 4-4. After new three ties and 5.5-5.5, the 12th game on Tuesday was decisive whether it would be tie-break games but Anand with blacks won this game and the match