By Kim Bhari
www.kenyachessmasala.com
GM Vishwanathan Anand’s final day in Kenya
Former 4 times World Chess Champion GM Vishwananthan Anand flew back to Europe on 25th April 2017 after a hectic and historic 6 day visit to Kenya.
On his final day GM Anand had a breakfast meeting with India’s High Commissioner to Kenya Her Excellency Suchitra Dura and her husband Mr Swaminathan.
From left Mr Satish Deshpande, Her Excellency Suchitra Dura, GM Vishwanathan Anand, Mr Swaminathan.
In attendance was Mr Satish Deshpande who organised GM Anand’s trip.
In their discussion the High Commissioner of India, Mrs Suchitra Durai, agreed to support Chess in Kenya.
Mr Vishy Anand managed to get some time to visit the famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve for a private visit.
Cartoon on GM Vishy Anand’s trip to Kenya.
This was the cartoon that I came up with for his visit! I have tried something new this time and used charcoal pencil instead of soft markers.
GM Vishwanathan Anand in Mombas
It was hot and sticky.
The Tiger of Madras
Prowled slowly along
The Rank & File
Grabbing a Pawn
Grabbing a Knight
Pouncing on e6
Then h7
Check! Check! Check!
Mate!
The final score was 37 wins and 1 draw for GM Viswanathan Anand in his simultaneous match against 38 players which was held at the Oshwal Academy, Mombasa on 23rd April 2017.
The Tiger of Madras GM Vishwanathan Anand in action.
Former World Chess Champion GM Vishwanathan Anand who arrived in Kenya on 21st April 2017 was the guest of honour at the closing ceremony of the 2017 Mombasa International Chess Open and the inaugural Zone 4.2 U16 Team Championship.
GM Vishwanathan Anand created history by becoming the first chess Grandmaster and former World Chess Champion to visit the bustling city of Mombasa in a trip organised by Mombasa Chess Club and the Deshpande family.
Last two players – James Panchol and FM Haruna Nsubuga of Uganda against Vishy. Photo credit Paras Gudka.
Only swashbuckling James Panchol managed to hold Vishy to a well deserved draw.
GM Vishwanathan Anand ponders his move in a game that he was held to a draw by James Panchol. Photo credit Paras Gudka.
The simultaneous was the final event to close the 2017 Mombasa International Chess Open and the Zone 4.2 U16 Team Championship.