Does this man still need an introduction? Eric talks to five-time world champion GM Viswanathan Anand (1969) from India about the tournament he won five times: in 1989, 1998, 2003, 2004 and 2006. Anand played 20 times in Wijk aan Zee, The Netherlands in which he played 247 games (the most number of games by a non-Dutchman) and won 75 games, making him the number two on the all-time Wijk aan Zee list. Only the legendary Dutch GM Jan-Hein Donner won more games (85). 

Vishy talks about his first visit to The Netherlands in 1989 in which he debuted in Wijk aan Zee. He tells us what it was like to walk through the streets of the small village, being perplexed by the open curtains of the villagers. Since the five-time winner played so many games in Wijk aan Zee, he tells to the listeners which are his personal favourites. And he has some good news: he would love to be back in WIjk aan Zee in 2022, when the pandemic allows it. 

Enjoy this relaxed talk about a great tournament with one of the legends of the game: GM Vishy Anand.  

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Do you want to know  more about Vishy Anand? Look at this Wikipedia site.

You can follow Vishy Anand on Twitter.

Do you want to replay one of the most beautiful games in the history of Wijk aan Zee, the game between Levon Aronian against Vishy Anand, 2013? Go here.

All the information about the tournament and links that will guide you to the right place, can be found on the official website of the tournament. TATA Steel Chess is also on Twitter. Use the hashtag #tatasteelchess.

Have a look at the statistics here: All time statistics.

All crosstables and more information about the event in Wijk aan Zee can be found on the Wikipedia site.

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Host       : Eric van Reem
Guest     : GM Viswanathan Anand (IND)
Editor     : Dennis van Reem
Artwork  : Fränk Stiefel
Music     : Chess Pieces-Silent Partner

Feedback: [email protected] or tweet @ChessClassic

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