The world champion, Viswanathan Anand, made a flying visit to Kwa-Zulu Natal arriving in Durban on the 26th August and departing again the following day. The formal part of Anand's visit included a function held in his honour at the offices of the Consul General of India at lunch time on the 27th August (see photo below). It had been intended to hold the function on the lawns of the Consulate General, but a rare bout of winter rain thwarted that plan.

It is fairly well known that Anand is the brand ambassador of NIIT, who are the leading software training and development company in India. Their guest speaker indicated that as many as 1 in 3 computer engineers in India had received some of their training at NIIT! He also mentioned that NIIT have recently expanded into Africa, and they will be training some 10,000 learners in Kwa-Zulu Natal (over the next 5 years) in information technology and business processing skills.

Anand speaking at the Consulate General with honoured guests Logie Naidoo (deputy mayor), wife Aruna, Ajai Lal (NIIT), Harsh Shringla (CG)

After the speeches were over Vishy gave a simultaneous exhibition against 8 of the strongest juniors in KZN. Players included the South African under 12 and under 14 ladies champions, as well as members of the South African under 16 team. Strong resistance was expected, but after only an hour or so the exhibition ended with a full score to Vishy.

The previous day Anand was whisked off to Mandeni College, about an hour and a quarter's drive from Durban, where he met with education officials and a group of learners. There was also time for some chess, with a simultaneous exhibition versus about 24 children.

Vishy makes an amusing move against Desmond Rooplal, as Bongani Mgaga looks on, at the simul held in Mandeni

Sayen Naidu had an unforgettable experience at the simul, when he held Vishy to a draw. Here is the game score, with some brief comments.

With 2009 club champion Bongani Mgaga

With club chairman Peter Dankelmann

Our club members were extremely happy that Vishy was able to spare an hour from his busy schedule to visit the Durban Chess Club, after his return from Mandeni College. He was persuaded to show us the 5th game from his match vs Kramnik:

Vishy starts demo of the 5th match game vs Kramnik

We watched entranced as Vishy relived his thoughts and shared them with us. What a great game, and what a great champion! Afterwards Vishy answered a few questions, before going out for supper with his hosts from NIIT in Durban.

Our thanks go to NIIT and to Vishy Anand for making his visit to Durban such a memorable experience!