Man who won Jr World Cup in Goa 23 years ago returns as chess legend | Goa News

Panaji: Long counted among the world’s best chess players, Levon Aronian was so happy about Goa hosting the FIDE World Cup that he decided to arrive here before anyone else. In fact, the Armenian-American grandmaster landed in the state a good week before the tournament could commence.It wasn’t to acclimatise or prepare adequately for the World Cup, where everyone is chasing the three coveted Candidates spots, and a shot at the world crown. The grandmaster with the brightest shirts is now here to explore a place that has brought so much meaning to his life.“I was delighted to come back to Goa, now in a different kind of status,” Aronian, the only player to win the World Cup twice, told TOI recently. “It’s a special place for me, a special place for my career, and holds a special place for me in my life. I really love the fact that I’m here and I love the opportunity to return to Goa.” Aronian visited Goa for the first time as a teenager in 2002 and returned with the World Junior Chess crown.The days that he spent here, wandering outside his hotel in Dona Paula on the outskirts of the city, changed his outlook towards life.“I remember meeting a person who spoke very good English. I could feel that he’s very wise. When I was walking around in Goa, I went to the beach and saw many cows lying there. That scene was so harmonious that it really changed my outlook,” said Aronian, now an all-time chess great.The Armenian grandmaster also decided to give up on meat, a practice he continues even to this day, though fish is not off the menu.When Goa was confirmed as the venue for the chess World Cup involving 206 of the world’s best players—except the top three—Aronian was delighted. He arrived here a week earlier, explored the state beyond its beaches, checked the museums, the historic Aguada jail, tried out different restaurants, and returned to Panaji, a city that he had seen from close during his first trip 23 years ago.“Panaji has changed so much,” said Aronian. “Compared to 2002, the place has a totally different vibe. It was really beautiful.”Even in-between games, when players get holed up in their hotel rooms preparing for the next battle, Aronian, who is here with his wife, likes to explore the place. In tune with his taste for colourful shirts, he’s picked up a few that caught his eye.“We’ve been doing a lot of sightseeing,” said Aronian. And playing a little bit of chess too, where he is now into the fifth round as the contestants at the World Cup get trimmed to just 16, from 206 at the start.Aronian is still in the race. Maybe like 2002, he might have more than just memories to take home.