Anand is new world chess champion

Anand regained the title after nearly seven years

India's Viswanathan Anand has won the World Chess Championship after drawing a final round game against Hungary's Peter Leko.

Anand, who won four games and drew the rest to stay undefeated in the competition, regained the $390,000 title after nearly seven years.

Indian PM Manmohan Singh has congratulated Anand for his feat.

The 38-year-old chess player, will keep his world number one ranking, according to reports.

Anand became the world champion on Saturday after drawing his 14th and final round game against Leko in Mexico City.

"This time, it's somewhat special because the field was very strong. It feels nice to come through without a defeat in 14 rounds," Anand was quoted as saying by The Hindu newspaper.

Indian newspapers hailed Anand's victory on their front pages.

"Given that chess is officially played in 161 countries, he is our only global icon," said the Hindustan Times newspaper.

Anand, who was born in the southern Indian city of Madras (Chennai), divides his time between India and Spain.

His achievements have triggered off huge interest in the game in India with chess clubs mushrooming in many parts of the country.