Indian venue for World Championship confirmed?
The Times of India, and many more Indian press sources, are claiming that the Anand – Gelfand match will be held in Chennai in April – May next year. Updated!
Vishy Anand had previously mentioned that Chennai was going to bid for the match, but the reports now describe it as a fait accompli. J. Jayalalitha, the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu (of which Chennai is the capital) reportedly met with FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov on Wednesday. The minister promised government support, with the projected expenditure on the match expected to reach 20 crores i.e. 200,000,000 rupees, or around $4.5 million.
Despite the press reports, it would seem logical to think that the World Championship venue has not yet been decided. The official deadline for bids – 31st July – has yet to elapse. At the very least, however, it’s clear there’s going to be stiff competition for the bid to hold the event in Moscow with a prize fund of $2 million.
Update: Evgeny Surov has apparently received confirmation that it was only a bid from the Indian organisers. FIDE won't make a final decision until after the deadline has passed.
New update: The plot thickens! The Times of India is now quoting Vishy Anand as saying he's "thrilled" by the news. The impression given is, again, that a decision has already been taken to hold the match in India. The paper notes that Anand last played in Chennai (formerly Madras) in a Candidates Match against Alexei Dreev back in 1990, and gives the following quotes (the English mistakes are in the original):
Firstly, I express my gratitude to Tamil Nadu CM for her decision to have the match at Chennai. I am looking forward eagerly to play in Chennai. It will be a fantastic experience.Obviously, once the FIDE announces the schedule and timing of matches, I will start planning. As I have said, I am really thrilled to be playing in Chennai. I will have to work extremely hard as it there will be tough competition.Basically, I have been looking to play the match at Chennai. It nice that Chennai will witness a World Championship match.