After a remarkable, unbeaten run at the World Rapid Chess Championship in Riyadh, V Anand settled for an easy, 11-move draw with Bu Xiangzhi in the final round. That’s a shame! The draw was agreed upon soon after the game started.
Anand simply appeared to be in haste to reach truce and avoid any risk of a defeat. But that is not in the true spirit of the game – least expected from a player of Anand’s stature.
Having scaled every peak there is in the game, he has nothing else to prove. He is at a stage when he must be looking at ways to inspire young players and be a role model for them.
Instead, he has only demonstrated his self-centricity with no thought for what has come to be a curse for chess – agreed draws without going all out for a win.
In fact, the younger players are a more motivated lot – going the full stretch and playing for wins. And I am not talking about just Carlsen. Even the likes of Adhiban and Vidit Gujarati go for wins in every game. They may lose a game or two, but display a positive attitude with a fighting spirit.
What a disappointment, Anand! You spoilt a good run at the Championship with an agreed draw.
It is time the world chess body acts to ban such draws!
G Joslin Vethakumar
Top of the Word 
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