Anand returns home as 'King' of World chess

Chennai, Oct 17 (UNI) A rousing reception, including a procession to enable the public to savour his achievement, awaited him when the 'son of the soil', Grand Master Viswanathan Anand arrived here today for a month-long sojourn in his home town in the wake of his winning the world crown for a second time.

Amidst tight security, officials of All India Chess Federation (AICF) and Tamil Nadu Chess Association (TNCA), players especially Under-7 and other junior age groups, representing schools led by Velammal School, received Anand at the airport soon after he arrived here along with his wife Aruna from New Delhi in the afternoon.

Velammal School has been producing many a young champion in the game of 64 squares, drawing inspiration from Anand.

At the airport, chess lovers, especially children greeted Anand, garlanded him and interacted with him briefly.

Anand, who is also the World Rapid Chess Champion, had won his second world championship title at Mexico on September 29. He had earlier won the world crown in the year 2000.

UNI