Oscar for Anand

NEW DELHI, DEC. 16. Viswanathan Anand was presented the 1998 Chess Oscar at the closing ceremony of the women's World chess championship here on Saturday evening.

Since Anand could not receive the prestigeous award two years ago, the FIDE president, Mr. Kirsan Ilymjinov thought it fit to make the presentation during the function.

Unlike the Opening Ceremony of the World chess championship on November 26, the closing function was well organised. Women's World champion Xie Jun and her fellow Chinese runner-up Qin Kanying received silver plaques, medallions and gold ornaments on behalf of sponsor NIIT and FIDE Commerce. Mr. Ilymjinov also presented the winner's trophy to Xie Jun.

Finalists Anand and Alexei Shirov, along with losing semifinalists, Michael Adams and Alexander Grischuk received medals and salvers. Anand and Shirov are due to clash in the six- game final, beginning on December 20 at Teheran.

The Union Minister for Power, Mr. Suresh Prabhu was the chief guest.

- Our Special Correspondent.

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