Spanish title for Anand

Vishwanathan Anand will be honoured in Spain on Wednesday with the 'Jameo de oro', the highest civilian honour given by the Government of Lanzarote, making him the first chess champion to be receive the title.

He will receive the honour in the presence of top government officials.

The Indian World champion, who arrived on Tuesday in Lanzarote, an important island, part of the Canarian Archipelago, was given a state welcome. He will be treated as a government guest during his week-long stay there.

''To be bestowed with the most prestigious award of their government makes me feel very happy,'' Anand said, reacting to the announcement.

Only two other personalities have been conferred the title earlier. They are Nobel prize winner for literature Jose Saramego and architect Cesar Manrique.

As part of his visit, Anand will give a simultaneous chess display on April 26.

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Lanzarote