Anand Wins Chess Oscar For Fifth Time
By Arvind Aaron

Having won both the Linares Tournament, the World Championship in 2007, Vishy Anand was a clear winner in the 2007 Chess Oscar race voted by chess journalists the world over. Anand had won this prestigious award in 1997, 1998, 2003, 2004 before winning it now again in 2007.

The voting for the 2007 Chess Oscar will be officially notified on Sunday (May 11, 2008) though it was leaked to the press.

A total of 169 journalists from all over the world voted. Anand took 130 first votes which carried 13 points and was a clear winner with 2049 points. Vladimir Kramnik with 1531 points was clear second with eleven first votes while comeback man Gata Kamsky got 993 points for third place. Others: 4 Topalov, 5 Carlsen, 6 Ivanchuk, 7 Aronian, 8 Morozevich, 9 Gelfand, 10 Radjabov.

Considering that Anand wins it twice in a row, he should be a favourite for 2008 as well. He has won the Linares Tournament in 2008 already in the first quarter and what he does against Vladimir Kramnik at Bonn in the World Championship this October-November will decide that.

Reacting to this success, Anand said, "the fascinated wanderer will always be something I cherish and each of the Oscars hold a special significance."

The 1969-born NIIT Brand Ambassador lives in Chennai and Madrid if he is not at any chess venue. This award is a recognition for his hard work in 2007.

Anand, a true professional sportsman is now moving from world champion to an all-time great sporting star. His next tournament is at Leon, Spain in June.