Viswanathan Anand and his special bond with Goa

Panaji: Viswanathan Anand has a special connection with Goa.The first day of the Chess World Cup in Arpora marked a special event as the five-time world champion unveiled the trophy, named after himself, at the tournament venue on Saturday."Well, all of us love Goa, I think we know that. I have been here multiple times, the last few years as well. I come here regularly for private holidays. Forty two years ago, I became a national junior champion in Panaji, not very far from here. Sub-junior champion as well," said Anand. Anand looked back at his stay in Goa during those days. "In fact, I was speaking to my cousin, who now doesn't live here, but I stayed at their place.

We were talking about the good days," he said. The chess legend also felt proud of the trophy being named after him. "It is cool,” he said.Anand has another connection to the Chess World Cup. He was the champion the last time India hosted Chess World Cup, in Hyderabad (2002)."Ramoji Film City was a quiet venue, we had a lots of space to walk around,” said Anand. “I remember the organization was superb. On the fifth day, I remember having to make a decision, whether I should push my luck against (Morrocan GM) Hichem Hamdouchi.

I had not managed to get anything with the opening, so was wondering if I should just take a draw or wait. I decided to take a draw. Then Sasi (Krishnan Sasikiran) who could have taken my spot, actually lost and I managed to sneak in, and qualify (for playoffs).

The knockout phase was much better. It was a great tournament," he said On predictions, Anand took a measured approach but heaped praises on German GM Keymer Vincent. "I am just going to say that Vincent is skyrocketing. So now, does that guarantee something here? I don't know. It is a special format. Too many names," he said.