Anand eyes world crown next year

Chennai, Dec 12 (UNI) Come September-2007, India's Grand Master and world number two Viswanathan Anand has a goal to achieve, winning the world title for a second time, by his own admission.

Anand, who addressed a press conference after a 45 minute simultaneous rapid chess contest, said ''my goal is the world championship at Mexico in September 2007.'' Anand said he is determined to win the world crown, now that the conduct of the blue riband event in the game of 64 squares is now somewhat regularised.

''In the last two years the event has been regualrised. That's why I want to win it,'' Anand said.

Anand said he would also be looking forward to the regular calendar of big events like Linares championship between January and April.

''I also expect to spend a lot of time working to achieve this goal,'' Anand averred.

Anand complimented Asian Games Gold medallist Grand Master Koneru Humpy of Andhra Pradesh describing her as ''spearhead of a whole movement for women's chess''.

''To win the first Gold for the country in an event like Asian Games is splendid,'' the Chennai GM said, in all praise.

Anand said, ''Humpy would definitely inspire a lot of people to take to chess.'' Anand also hoped that the Indian team would win the classical event at the Doha Asiad as well.

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