World Championship Mexico: the closing ceremony

by ChessBase
10/1/2007 – After his win on Saturday night Vishy Anand was treated to a fine victory dinner by his hosts. Then, on Sunday, a long day of activies followed, crowned by the celebrations and festivities of the closing ceremony, in which the new world champion was crowned. Now it is Sunday night, muy tarde – very late. Before we embark on our return trip we bring you pictorial impressions.

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World Championship 2007 Mexico

The World Championship 2007 took place from September 12 to 30 in the Sheraton Centro Histórico Hotel in Mexico City. Eight players had qualified for this double round robin. The prize fund was US $1.3 million. The winner was Indian GM Vishy Anand. Here are the final standings:


Victory dinner


After his victory on Saturday Anand was taken by the main organiser for a victory dinner


It was a to a very fine restaurant, "Hacienda los Morales", with music and wine


Our hosts: Jorge and Veronica Saggiante


Aruna and Vishy Anand enjoying the atomosphere


One of the more exotic dishes: Taco with Chapulines, grasshoppers that are considered a delicacy by many Mexicans


Anand's second Peter Heine Nielsen and German Chess Classic organiser Hans Walter Schmitt


Anand gets a cake that reads "Felicidades" (congratulations)

The Closing Ceremony


This was the first opening ceremony to which we had to walk – but with mounted security


Peter Svidler and Vishy Anand with a brisk stride


Aruna Anand and Peter Heine Nielsen with friends from Canada


The closing ceremony took place in the Palacio de Minería, half a mile from the venue


Deputy President of FIDE, Georges Makropoulos, speaks to the audience


Anand gets a laurel wreath, a Mexican "sarape" (coloured blanket) and flowers


It is the turn of the new world champion to address his audience


Anand speaks in fluent and eloquent Spanish


Mexican movie star and chess enthusiast Enrique Roche, Anand and organiser Jorge Saggiante


Anand poses with his golden World Championship medal


At the end of the ceremony there are anthems: Mexican, FIDE and Indian


Spotted in the audience: WIM Arianne Caoili, Levon Aronian's girlfriend


Outside the "Mariachis" serenade the guests


On a Sunday night at 10 p.m. people have queued up downstairs to get autographs from the players


Anand mobbed by fans, who want his signature and to be photographed with him


Unbelievable scenes, with the crowd chanting "Anand, Anand, Anand..."


Arianne Caoili and Aruna Anand wait patiently while the chess stars meet the fans


A final dinner, at the invitation of Dawat, one of the finest Indian restaurants in Mexico City


Once again Anand can relax in the circle of his closest friends


After dinner he poses with the proud owner and staff of the Dawat restaurant

Photos by Frederic Friedel in Mexico City



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