Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand is set to make a highly anticipated return to competitive chess, participating in the upcoming World Rapid and Blitz Team Chess Championship. The Indian chess legend will be a part of the “Freedom” team, adding significant star power to the event.
Anand Joins “Freedom” Team
Viswanathan Anand will be a key member of the “Freedom” team, a squad led by FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky. Anand is notably the sole Indian player in this team, which is poised to challenge for top honors in the championship.
The World Rapid and Blitz Team Chess Championship is a unique event that brings together strong teams from various federations and clubs. It features both rapid and blitz formats, known for their fast-paced and exciting nature. The tournament rules stipulate that each round must include at least one female player and one player rated below 2200, aiming to enhance the dynamic and inclusive nature of the competition.
Absence of Top Contenders
While Anand’s presence is a major draw, the tournament will see the absence of current World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and rising Indian star D Gukesh, both of whom have opted to skip the event. This opens up the field and adds an element of unpredictability to the competition.
Other Key Indian Players and Teams
Beyond Anand, several other prominent Indian players will be in action. Arjun Erigaisi is set to lead another strong Indian contingent, with P Harikrishna on the second board. Young talents like World Junior Champion V Pranav and Luke Leon Mendonca are also part of the lineup, showcasing the depth of Indian chess. Nihal Sarin will represent the Ashdod elite chess club.
The WR Chess team, spearheaded by Ian Nepomniachtchi and featuring a formidable lineup including Firouzja Alireza, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Hikaru Nakamura, is considered a strong favorite for the championship. The event also boasts substantial prize money, with the winners of each competition (Rapid and Blitz) receiving USD 110,000 and USD 75,000 respectively.