“In life, as in chess, forethought wins.”
Charles Buxton
Viswanathan Anand
Viswanathan Anand is a good example to refute that the geniuses of chess are crazy, a falsehood gigantic by the exceptional case of Bobby Fischer. At 41, the Indian is one of the most brilliant champions in history and has achieved the title in all possible formats. His extensive knowledge of astronomy and international economics, as well as his recent paternity, demonstrate a psychological balance that augurs more successes.
Anand works very hard on the technical aspects, between six and nine hours a day. He probably lacks the 'killer instinct' that distinguished Fischer, Karpov, and Kasperov, but he cares as much or more than they do the physical background:
"Yes, I realized years ago that it was imperative. I am convinced that my two hours of gymnasium when I am at home are essential to withstand the wear and tear of the tournaments, "
he explains in perfect Spanish.
Wesley So
Wesley So learned chess at age seven, taught by his father, who soon began to win. He was already impressed in 2006 when he qualified to become part of the Philippine Olympic team with only 12 years and raise his rating from 2216 to 2451. He achieved the title of Grand Master in 2007 after completing 14 years achieving his first major international success in 2008, Winning the Dubai Open. In the same year he managed to be the youngest player to cross the 2600 and at the beginning of 2009 he won the Wijk aan Zee C tournament and later made a great world cup by eliminating Gadir Guseinov, Vassily Ivanchuk and Gata Kamsky in the World Cup .
After three years without big rises, he exploded in 2013, crossing the 2700, winning the Reykjavik Open. In 2014 his promotion continued to gain a valuable sixth place in the Tata Steel Chess, winning the Capablanca Memorial and winning the $ 100,000 Millionaire Chess Award in Las Vegas. He was among the top ten players in the world and changed his flag to American, where he resides as part of Webster University in San Luis, as part of Susan Polgar's training program.
2017 LEUVEN
