Stuck in Germany due to coronavirus scare, Viswanathan Anand to make commentary debut

His return to India on hold due to travel restrictions forced by COVID-19 pandemic, India's five-time world champion chess icon Viswanathan Anand will complete his maiden commentary assignment while being in self-isolation in Germany.  50-year-old Chess wizard was to return to Chennai on Monday after competing in Bundesliga Chess League but had to stay back near Frankfurt given travel restrictions, his wife Aruna said. 

Anand, who is set to don commentator's hat for FIDE Candidates tournament that begins in Yekaterinburg, Russia to spot challenger to world champion Magnus Carlsen, will handle role from his present location. event starts on Tuesday. "He will be commentating for Candidates tournament for a website. Guess it will also keep him busy," Aruna told PTI.

'We will have to wait and watch'

Indian was playing for OSG Baden-Baden in Bundesliga Chess League. "...we will have to wait and watch about his return plans," Aruna said. "He is near Frankfurt. With all travel restrictions and advisories, we will have to wait and watch with regards to his return plans. situation is very fluid," she added.

Aruna said Anand is practising social distancing given as a precautionary measure. "He has opted for social distancing as a precautionary measure due to coronavirus scare," Aruna said. She said, though se are exceptional circumstances, Anand has stayed in touch and speaks to her and ir son Akhil regularly.

READ | Anand Mahindra shares pic of 'best gift' he received from a friend amid COVID-19 dread

"It is an exceptional situation. But we are in constant touch thanks to techlogy. We stay in touch over phone and video calls. It is a virtual holiday," she quipped. "As for Akhil, chatting to his far over phone and video calls ensures that he doesn't miss him. With schools closing from today, Akhil will have a lot more free time and more opportunity to keep in touch with Vishy," she added.

READ | I'm becoming my worst enemy: Vishwanathan Anand

coronavirus pandemic has brought international sports to grinding halt with events eir cancelled or postponed for next fortnight. deadly outbreak, which began in Chinese city of Wuhan, has led to over 6,000 deaths globally.

READ | Anish: Eugh talent pool in India after Vishwanathan Anand

READ | Sachin Tendulkar, Vishwanathan Anand dropped from government's sports advisory panel