- Chess is an Indian game - it originated here and the modern version is a modification of the ancient Indian game. - India produced almost no chess masters of international calibre before Anand. But even in this poverty one name stands out- Mir Sultan Khan. An illiterate servant of an Indian King he won the British championship many times, beat several best masters of his day although he did not have any any theoretical knowledge of the game. He even beat Capablanca once. An extraordinary chess prodigy, he has been recently acknowledged as one of the best natural talents ever (behind Morphy and Capa, and much ahead of Anand). - Apart from Khan, M Banerjee is a bright name in the history of Indian chess.
Modern chess in India came to fore after Anand became a GM. After Anand India produced several GMs. Currently the top woman GM is also an Indian, Koneru Humpy. However it is to be seen if India will produce another chess world champion after Anand within the next century. Russians have ruled the world of chess, in the next century chess surely belongs to one country - China.
Re: Re: Indian Chess pre-Anand
by French Cuisine on May 25, 2012 09:23 AM
Yes and no. His playing career was in 1930s and that was during British India. No Pakistan at that time. Geographically yes.
Anand showed very little edge in his preparations. Rather it was Gelfand who played with confidence. Sad to see Anand play like this after his brilliance against Kramnik and Topa. Basically he has lost all his form.
Re: Poor game by Anand
by French Cuisine on May 24, 2012 08:57 PM
After looking at Anand's play I feel Gelfand is more deserving here. He is the one with more motivation. Anand obviously has achieved everything and we are proud of him.
Re: Poor game by Anand
by sivanandam lakshmanan on May 26, 2012 09:19 PM
you may be cynic since karpov & Kasporov has lost the edge after 2 championship, but luckily Anand has settled abroad & keep his enthusiasm intact.
