Chennai, Nov.21 : World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand today returned to his hometown. He was given a warm welcome at the Chennai Airport for retaining his world title and doing the country proud at international level.

Anand defeated Russia's Vladimir Kramnik in a match-play series to retain his title in Bonn, Germany.

Anand, who won the official title in Mexico last year, defeated Kramnik 6.5-4.5 after a draw in the penultimate game to take an unassailable lead in the 12-match contest.

"Vishy", as his fans dearly call Ananad, has won the crown for the third time. He won the championship in year 2000 and 2007 other than the latest.

Thirty eight-year-old Indian grandmaster Anand holds several records and championship wins to his credit.

He holds the distinction of being the only player to have won five championship titles at the prestigious Corus Chess Championships. He also has five chess Oscars, which are given to the best player in the world.

He's one of only four players in chess history to go past the 2,800 mark on the World Chess Federation rating list.

After the latest win, Anand has become the first player to win the championship in three different formats, knockout, tournament and match.

Germany has hosted 10 of the total 18 World Chess championships since the annual event was established in 1991. By A.O.Arun Kannan

ANI