Chess Legend Viswanathan Anand's Humorous Kidnapping Plea

Viswanathan Anand, the legendary Indian chess grandmaster, recently showcased his wit and love for chess on social media. On Friday, he posted a humorous plea on Twitter, claiming to be kidnapped by chess players Alexandra Botez and Andrea Botez.

"At the Airport! My Kidnappers, let me go. @alexandrabotez @itsandreabotez," Anand tweeted.

The post initially raised concerns among fans, but Anand quickly clarified that it was a joke related to a chess move.

"Alexandra Botez told me I had to solve a chess position to win my freedom. Andrea asked what Black should play in this position. I told her Kd5, and they let me go," Anand explained in a subsequent tweet.

He further elaborated, "Since this is a race, black should play Kd5 Slowing the white king march to the Queen side. And a quicker hostage release!"

Anand's post highlights his playful nature and his ability to connect with chess enthusiasts on a personal level. It also demonstrates the growing popularity of chess, particularly among younger generations.

In recent years, Anand has been vocal about the golden era of Indian chess. He has praised the exceptional talent and achievements of young Indian chess players, who have consistently performed at the highest levels.

"I'm throwing in the title early, but they are a golden generation. They are all in the 2,700-plus group (Elo rating). And they're all under 20. That just does not happen; it's really something special," Anand said.

Anand's passion for chess extends beyond the board. He recently attended Lollapalooza 2024, where he was spotted enthusiastically singing along to Sting's performance of "Roxanne."

"When I was very young, songs like 'Every Breath You Take' and 'Roxanne' by The Police made a huge impression on me. Fast forward to now, and I can say I know most of their songs and Sting's solo albums as well. They've been a constant on my playlist over the years," Anand shared on social media.

Viswanathan Anand's contributions to chess and his ability to inspire young players make him a true legend of the sport. His recent social media posts showcase his humor, passion, and the enduring appeal of chess.

Tags: #ViswanathanAnand, #Chess, #Humor, #Kidnapping, #AlexandraBotez