Riyadh: Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand has regained the World Rapid Chess Championship after defeating Russia's Vladimir Fedoseev in the tie-break play-off.
Anand, a former world champion, outclassed World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the ninth round of tournament and was placed joint second at the start of the final five rounds.
He then defeated Fedoseev 2-0 in a two-game tie-break after a three-way tie with the Russian and Ian Nepomniachtchi at 10.5 points each from a possible 15.
The Indian has claimed the title by remaining unbeaten in the championship with six wins and nine draws.
The win for Anand has come after a tough year. The 48-year-old had earlier failed to qualify for the Candidates Tournament to decide the challenger for the World Championship match against Carlsen and then finished last in the London Chess Classic.
After winning the World Rapid Chess Championship, Anand was greeted with a thread of plaudits on Twitter, including wishes from President Ram Nath Kovind among others.
Congratulations to the man from the sixties, @vishy64theking, on his World Rapid title! I hope you dedicated this latest victory to everyone who has asked you when you were going to retire!
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) December 28, 2017
CONGRATS @vishy64theking on winning the World Rapid #Chess Championship.
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) December 29, 2017
Your tenacity, mental fortitude and never-give-up attitude is an inspiration to not just chess players, but all sportspersons.
Congratulations Viswanathan Anand for winning the World Rapid Chess Championship. Such determined pursuit of excellence across decades makes you an inspiration for all of us. India is proud of you #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 29, 2017
