Viswanathan Anand is not just a popular champion but also an extremely likeable person.
Currently leading the 66th edition of the Corus Grandmasters Chess tournament in the Dutch seaside resort of Wjik Aan Zee, the Indian ace has once again captivated local chess followers and media in Wijk.
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In the third round, which commences after a day's break - the first rest day of the 17-day long tournament -- Anand is due to play the Dutch National champion Loek Van Wely. He will have black pieces.
Called a variety of names ranging from "The Lightning Kid" - from the time he won the World Juniors back in 1987 - to "The Tiger from Madras" - a name given to him by some of his German friends, to "Speedy Gonzales" for the speed at which he plays his games, the NIIT Brand Ambassador, who wears his success rather comfortably and with a lot of grace, is game when it comes to explaining his games and innovative moves on the board. But sometimes the pace at which he does - whirring like a hard disk of the computer - leaves viewers bewildered. But the smiling star is ever willing to go over it at a slower pace for you.
"The game is clear in my mind, so I am fast," he says often and modestly.
Most people would take a lot time to digest what he tells you even at one tenth of the speed he normally analyses his games. This week in Wijk he was often asked about his latest project -- the one he is spearheading for his sponsors, NIIT.
"The idea is to use computer literacy to teach chess. And studies have shown that children who take to chess also score on the academic front."
He knows and understands that his involvement will get children to both chess and computers. That can only accelerate India's efforts to become a chess power. Who else is better than Anand to power that.
Pairings for third round: Sokolov v Adams; Leko v Topalov; Akopian v Timman; Van Wely v Anand; Bologan v Kramnik; Svidler v Bareev; Shirov v Zhong.
Standings: (after two rounds): 1. Anand and Leko 1.5 each; 3. Akopian, Adams, Bologan, Shirov, Svidler Topalov, Zhong, Bareev, Sokolov and Kramnik 1.0 each; 13. Van Wely and Timman 0.5 each.