World Champion - Chess Master Vishwanathan Anand

From being the country's first Grandmaster in 1987 to a World Champion in 2000 in Tehran, Vishwanathan Anand has come a long way and the year 2007 will go down as one of the most glittering in the 37 year-old's career. On April 1^st Vishwanathan Anand became the top ranked player in the game and then the big day arrived on September 29th.

Vishwanathan Anand took over from Russian Vladimir Kramnik as the undisputed champion of the world in Mexico City but according to the revised World championship regulations Kramik holds a one-time right to challenge Vishwanathan Anand for the world crown in 2008. Speaking on the format, the world champion Vishwanathan Anand feels the regulations are not fair.

"Its fantastic to win the tournament undefeated. The tournament helped me keep my leading position in the world rankings and since last year we have unified titles. So no ifs and buts, Im just the world champion now."

Vishwanathan Anand's victory is sweeter because its the first time in 35 years that a non-Russian specifically indian has the honour to hold the top rank and the world title at the same time.