Viswanathan Anand: Chess Legend Wins Leon Masters 10th time

Viswanathan Anand, India's first chess Grandmaster, has won the Leon Masters for the 10th time, defeating Jaime Santos Latasa 3-1 in the final.

Leon Masters 2024 Triumph

Viswanathan Anand defeats Jaime Santos Latasa 3-1 in the final
Wins Leon Masters for the 10th time
Tournament featured four players: Anand, Arjun Erigaisi, Veselin Topalov, Santos Latasa
Format: Four games of 20 minutes each with 10-second increment
Anand beat Topalov in semifinals, Santos Latasa defeated Erigaisi
Demonstrated technical prowess and strategic brilliance throughout

Anand's Illustrious Career Highlights

Born on December 11, 1969, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Became India's first chess Grandmaster in 1988
Five-time World Chess Champion (2000-2002, 2007-2013)
Defended world title against Kramnik (2008), Topalov (2010), Gelfand (2012)
Reached 2800 Elo rating in 2006, fourth player to achieve this
World's top-ranked player for 21 months
Previous Leon Masters victories: 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2016

Awards and Recognition

First recipient of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna) in 1991-92
Awarded Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, in 2007
First sports person to receive the Padma Vibhushan
Recognized as India's greatest chess player
Introduced to chess by his mother at a young age
National Sub-Junior Chess Champion at 14
Youngest Indian to earn International Master norms at 15

The 2024 Leon Masters victory of Viswanathan Anand solidifies his reputation as a chess legend. Even at 54, he still shows off his extraordinary abilities. In addition to putting him at the top of the game, his accomplishments have motivated a new generation of Indian chess players. At this point in his career, he has won the Leon Masters ten times; it is a testament to his consistency and flexibility in dealing with various opponents and formats.

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