Viswanathan Anand left the spectators in awe at the Superbet Rapid earlier this month. The ‘Tiger of Madras’, as he is sometimes known, was awarded a wildcard spot to the second leg of the Grand Chess Tour in Warsaw, which began just a couple of days after the first leg ended in Bucharest. At 52, the former world champion was the oldest player by some margin, and at least on paper could not be counted as one of the favourites. And yet Anand devoured the field in the rapid section, winning his first five games in a row, and secured clear first place with 7/9.
It was a joy to watch. But only those with short memories will be truly surprised by his display of ageless ability. Famously mild-mannered, Anand has often seemed to bristle when journalists raised the prospect of retirement. In fact, he has repeatedly shown his determination to remain at the top.
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