The third day of the Global Chess League in Mumbai witnessed a historic and emotional showdown on Tuesday. The spotlight was firmly on the generational clash between Indian chess legends Viswanathan Anand and D Gukesh.
A Battle of Mentor and Protégé
This was no ordinary match. Five-time world champion Anand, a mentor figure in Indian chess, faced his young admirer, the reigning world champion Gukesh. Both players entered the game under pressure, having suffered defeats in the second round. For Anand, securing his first points of the tournament was a pressing need.
The history between the two adds profound depth to the contest. When Anand became India's first world chess champion in 2000, Gukesh was not yet born. In 2013, a six-year-old Gukesh watched from the stands in Chennai as his hero Anand lost the world title to Magnus Carlsen. As Gukesh's career ascended, Anand took on a guiding role, playing a pivotal part in the teenager's journey to becoming the youngest world champion ever.
Anand's Commanding Victory
Playing with the white pieces, the 56-year-old grandmaster seized the initiative from the very first move, adopting an aggressive stance. Gukesh, the 19-year-old prodigy, responded but was slightly inaccurate in his play. Anand expertly capitalized on the smallest opportunity, gradually building a commanding space advantage.
Demonstrating his legendary precision and experience, Anand maintained relentless pressure. On the 45th move, he forced Gukesh to resign, marking a decisive end to the much-anticipated duel. The victory was a classic case of experience prevailing over youthful enthusiasm.
Team Triumph and Post-Match Reactions
Anand's crucial win was instrumental in securing a massive 12-3 victory for his team, the Ganges Grandmasters, over the PBG Alaskan Knights. This result provided a significant boost to his team's standing in the league.
Reflecting on the game, a pleased Anand acknowledged his opponent's fighting spirit. “It’s nice to play against Gukesh; he’s a very combative player,” he stated after the match. The encounter in Mumbai will be remembered as a symbolic passing of the torch, albeit one where the mentor proved his enduring class on the board. The event highlights the vibrant present and promising future of Indian chess, with legends and new champions competing on the same global stage.
