By Michael Specter
Chess icon Viswanathan Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion, left a lasting impression on the Singaporean chess community during his visit to the National Age Group Championships. His presence at the event’s closing ceremony sparked an extraordinary reaction from the local chess fans, including renowned Singaporean Grandmaster Kevin Goh Wei Ming. Goh, a seven-time national champion, shared his awe and excitement on social media, calling Anand a “rock star” and expressing his amazement at how the crowd reacted to the legendary player.
“I was horribly ill-prepared when we invited Viswanathan Anand… I knew he was a rock star, but I did not expect the Singaporeans to suddenly lose their senses as quickly as they did,” Goh posted on X (formerly Twitter). The atmosphere at the ceremony was electric, and Anand’s gracious presence only added to the prestige of the event.
Anand, who was in Singapore for the ongoing FIDE World Chess Championship, attended the event and captured the hearts of participants and fans alike. His visit helped elevate the significance of the National Age Group Championships, a platform that nurtures young chess talent in Singapore. For many budding players, meeting Anand was an unforgettable moment and a source of immense inspiration.
The FIDE World Championship in Singapore: Gukesh vs. Ding Liren
While Anand’s visit was a major highlight, the chess world’s attention was also fixed on the ongoing FIDE World Chess Championship in Singapore, where Ding Liren, the reigning World Champion from China, is facing off against Dommaraju Gukesh of India. Gukesh, 18, is the youngest challenger in World Championship history, and his performance so far has been nothing short of remarkable.
In the opening game of the series, Ding Liren triumphed with a solid win, but Gukesh fought back fiercely. In Game 3, Gukesh managed to defeat Ding, evening the score at 1.5-1.5 in the best-of-14 series. Gukesh’s win was dramatic—he outplayed Ding after the latter faltered under time pressure, ultimately winning in 37 moves. The loss for Ding came as a surprise, as he had been in a strong position to advance, but his inability to make key moves in the final seconds of the game proved costly.
Gukesh’s victory was a significant moment in his chess career, showcasing his exceptional preparation and control. It followed a strong performance at the Candidates Tournament and the Chess Olympiad, where he led India to a historic gold medal. For Ding Liren, the loss marked a setback in his defense of the World Championship, but with 11 games remaining, the series is still wide open. The battle between the two top players promises to bring more excitement and high-stakes drama as they compete for the ultimate chess title.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Anand’s visit to the National Age Group Championships highlights the power of chess to bring people together, with the legendary player acting as both a mentor and global ambassador for the sport. His influence is especially strong among young chess enthusiasts in Singapore, many of whom see him as an idol and a source of motivation as they pursue their own chess careers.
With the FIDE World Championship ongoing and Anand’s electrifying presence in Singapore, the chess community is experiencing a thrilling moment in the sport’s history. As Gukesh continues his journey toward a possible World Championship title, and as local talents are inspired by figures like Anand, the future of chess in Singapore and beyond looks incredibly promising.
