Anand feels the glory is a satisfying reward for his performance in 2003

New Delhi: World No.2 Viswanathan Anand won the Chess Oscar, the sport’s most prestigious award, for the third time.

Anand will receive the award in June in Moscow. The worldwide poll involves leading chess writers, critics and journalists from over 50 countries.

The Indian Super Grandmaster won by one of the biggest margins — 1575 points. Anand’s total was 4150, while his nearest rival Peter Svidler was way behind on 2575 and Vladimir Kramnik was third with 2518.

World No. 1 Garri Kasparov (2262) finished fourth, the first time outside the top three. Vladimir Kramnik was third.

Peter Leko was fifth with 1867 points.

Anand, who earlier won the award in 1997 and 1998, is only the second non-Russian after Bobby Fischer (1970, 71, and 72) to win the award. Kasparov has won it five times.

“I am absolutely elated to be voted the Best Player for 2003. The Chess Oscar is a vote by the people who follow chess most intently. To be acclaimed by them is a true honour,” Anand said from Spain.

“This is my third Oscar in seven years. Being the only non-Russian apart from Bobby Fischer to have ever won the Chess Oscars is something I am truly proud of. In 2003, I felt I performed the best and the Oscar is a satisfying reward for it,” he said.

“Winning the Chess Oscars ensures your place among the Legends for the next generation. I think with this third win, my place in that is well secured,”added Anand.

The Chess Oscar was founded in 1967 by Jorge Puig and the first winner was the Danish Grandmaster Bent Larssen.