In keeping with expectations, Grandmaster Sahaj Grover retained the ‘double’ by winning the twin-titles in the 2019 SWVG Arnold Classic rapid and blitz chess tournament at the Sandton Convention Centre here.
The annual event — created by Hollywood veteran and former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger and organised by Kasparov Chess Foundation — saw Sahaj dominate both sections.
He topped the rapid field by scoring nine points from 10 rounds and aggregated 8.5 from 10 rounds in the blitz section. Sahaj received medals and prize-money of 12,000 rands.
Last year, Sahaj was adjudged the overall champion for winning the rapid title and tying for the blitz crown.
Schwarzenegger, a former Mr. Universe, met the players, played with the local under-8 champion Pranae Govender and obliged the players and fans by posing for photographs.
“I started (playing chess) when I was eight with my father, I had to play with him every day. When I went to America, I started playing over there with friends and people at the gym. It was always part of me,” revealed Schwarzenegger.
The well-attended multi-sport event, played under the motto “There is something for everyone” includes boxing martial arts and bodybuilding.
