Autographs of Boris Becker and Michael Stich during Wimbledon 2009

If you have met me in my school days and queried about my favorite tennis player, I would have had no second thought to answer, "It's none other than Boris Becker". I enjoyed everything about him. His demeanor on court was electric. Eyes with white lids demonstrated self confidence and eagerness to win. The only player employing somersaults on the net while returning the ball, he would fight tooth and nail till the last moment. He was no doubt my favorite. I really really enjoyed his commitment, never say die attitude. Predominantly a serve and volley player, he was equally strong from the baseline to make a perfect tennis player. Prior to my departure to Wimbledon 2009 if you would have even hinted me that I would get the glimpses of Boris Becker I would have treated you with nuts, chocolates, cream or whatever you ever wished. Better still, I would have sponsored your Wimbledon trip.

As soon as we entered the Centre Court, I could not only see him from close quarters but could obtain his autograph. Not only him, I could also get Michael Stich on the same paper, one next to the other. Do remember, Boris Becker and Michael Stich played in the Wimbledon Single's Finale in 1991. In 2009, we captured them standing across the courts again. This time broadcasting for different channels in Wimbledon. I am extremely enthralled to have these autographs. Simply an outstanding Souvenir to cherish...

Becker's first autograph pictured below was comparatively easy to obtain as I just had to be a part of the herd waiting (~20 mins) for his interview to be over. I was lucky to be the first or second to be signed by him. Being greedy, I put forward another paper for Mr and Mrs. Millionaire. Becker was very clever as he completely ignored me signing almost every paper in the vicinity. I realized I had to do something different. So, instead of the paper, I did put forward a Wimbledon 2009 brand new ball after a while and I patiently waited till he finished signing for all his fans. He looked at me again suggesting I have not understood his hidden message. Our eyes locked and I probably had the most imploring look ever as I mumbled, "Please Sir". I exulted in disbelief as soon as he signed the ball. If you want to have the sight of the ball, you are most welcome.

Autograph of Boris Becker

Michael Stich on the same paper

Mrs. Millionaire did obtain Becker's autograph on their queue card outside the Centre Court. But, it's a story she should narrate...

Dr. Bond was at his adamant best stating that he is above all these stupid (fanatic) fantacies of collecting autographs. To state the least, he is certainly willing to take time off to sign for his admirers. Anybody in queue?

Wimbledon 2009 Queue Card and Day 6 Ticket

I have Queued @ Wimbledon 2009: One in the queue for
2 nights and a day certainly has a right to boast about it

Wimbledon 2009 Queue Card: When we started out Queue No. was 1300+. So, we decide to skip the Federer's game and chose to queue for the following day. Queue Nos. improved to a phenomenal 32-35. It was an achievement in itself not only because we were assured of getting high in demand Centre Court tickets but also considering the queue extended to 2500+ later in the evening.

Wimbledon 2009 Centre Court Band:
You get this wrist band as you enter the Wimbledon gates. There are 500 tickets for Centre court and 500 each for Court No. 1 and 2 respectively. Every court will have a band of different color.

Wimbledon 2009 Day 6 Ticket: Passport to enjoy some stalwarts in action on Wimbledon Centre Court. We watched famous Venus Williams, Andy Roddick and Andy Murray. The match between Andy Roddick and Jurgen Melzer was a top class tennis game, I will never ever forget. Sitting opposite to the chair umpire we could really really hear and feel players breath during the crunch points. A truly unforgettable experience for sure...

Tickets of Anand Versus Kramnik Chess World Championship 2008 in Bonn

Ticket of Game 8: was a draw with Anand having tougher times.

Ticket of Game 9: Kramnik showed why he is such a gem snatching a miraculous draw out of defeat against Anand

Roland Garros 2008 Ladies Grand Finale Ticket

French Open Ladies Grand Finale: A memorable souvenir that enabled witnessing French Open Ladies Grand Finale @ Roland Garros in 2008. Ana Ivanovic won against Dinara Safina quite ruthlessly in 2 straight sets 6-4, 6-3.

Rafa's Autograph...

Raphael Nadal autographing for Basa...

Basa has finally shared a piece in his treasure, Raphael Nadal's autograph during the French Open 2008. Basa is moving to US next week and I wish he catches his hero Roger Federer @ Flushing Meadows during US Open 2009. Good Luck Basa!!!

I hope to try my luck @ Wimbledon 2009 :)

Meeting Vishy Anand In Bonn

Amidst tapeout/deadline and core partner presentation in IMEC, I was very skeptical to avail a leave to visit Bonn for the Anand versus Kramnik World Chess Championship 2008 match. After the Core Partner presentation and of course witnessing the impressive display of skills by Anand on board during the initial half of the match I had to go…and once Michele granted me the permission there was nobody stopping me. The scoreline after 7 games read 5.0-2.0 in favor of Anand and there was a possibility, an exciting opportunity to witness the crowning glory if Anand manages to draw one and win one game. It was highly probable looking at Kramnik and Anand’s current form and I was more than hopeful…

I had a pretty tough time finding a cheaper place in Bonn as there was nothing I could plan in advance. Most of places were full because of the chess event and those available were expensive for a student’s pocket. Luckily I got one but the search made me reach the venue almost 15 minutes late. Who says “Chess is a boring sport*”, the playing Hall was packed with people occupying not only seats but also stairs to watch the tussle. Moreover, I met fans from Sydney-Austalia, Boston, Washington-USA, Vancouver-Canada, (a sardar from) Bermingham-UK, India and of course a plenty from all over europe. I am sure Russians must be present in numbers as well. All of them have traveled all the way to experience the championship event. Needless to say, Chess may turn into a morbid habit, a very addictive sport.

Game 8 was average (by their standards of curse) ending up in a draw after perpetual checks. Looking into his current position, I expected Kramnik to go all out. But, instead of exploring his chances with g3 he adopted to sign truce and Anand readily accepted. During the match, I could spot Anand’s wife Aruna sitting on the Team chairs. His second GMs (Peter Heine Nielsen, Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Radoslav Wojtaszek, Surya Shekhar Ganguly) were missing and they were missing during all the matches except the last one. Aruna has a very homely look. A looks that one desi has on offer to another desi outside India, surely in Europe. First eyes meet each other…then both the parties go into deep thinking whether to smile or not….and in a process half smile is rendered on the face. Later at the press conference, I was looking for an opportunity for Anand’s autograph. After all, I was carrying my own chess board all the way to Bonn for this. I would require to catch the train immediately after the next game (game 9) so there was only a remote possibility that I could get his autograph. They even did not allow cameras to be taken inside the playing hall. This was ridicules and my enthu was down. My canon was not worth a penny. I neither had an autograph nor photograph of the champions. GM analysis that was running parallel to the match was also in Deutsch. C’mon FIDE this is not a German championship but a World championship and there should be something more for the amateur spectators. While talking to Frank, a veteran Desperado-Leuven, I was informed that during last Kramnik versus Deep Fritz match they had provided head phones and spectators could choose the language they prefer to listen to the analysis. Disappointed and dejected I came out of the hall after the match and headed for the Bonn City Centre.

After roaming a bit near the University area I was looking for a nice restaurant near city centre. On the way there was “Ichiban Noodle Bar” ….looked decent…..not that expensive as well but I was more interested in an Italian cuisine that day and decided to explore a bit more. As I walked further, I saw a bunch crossing the road and could spot Aruna again. The same homely look was on offer….surprisingly, I could not spot Anand….may be I am too much used to see him only in official NIIT or AMD attire or he had camouflaged himself in a blue track and a red T-shirt. They walked past behind me and I continued my search for a nice place to call it a day. I found nothing decent as decided to head back to the Noodle Bar and through the glass panes I could view Anand and his team were occupying the table inside the restaurant. So, this has to be the place for dinner today. I have to get autographs as well. I checked out. I had the chess board but shit… shit… I am never gonna improve. I had forgotten the marker pen that could write on the chessboard in the hurry to reach the playing venue in the afternoon. Instead I had 2-3 usual pens which were not worth a penny. I remembered having passed a copier shop a while ago. I had to try my luck now. I ran to the copier shop but this is Europe man…shops close at 19:00 at most 20:00 and it was almost 20:30 and heavens should have been with me to get me a pen. Shop was indeed closed but lucky enough I found a guy inside the shop. I knocked and he gestured to me that the shop is closed and I better turn tomorrow. I persisted and suggested him that it’s very very urgent as there is somebody as big as BALLACK outside whom I would like to autograph and badly require a marker pen. Probably listening to BALLACK’s name he was pleased and gave me a pen. I rushed back to the restaurant and went to the table requesting an autograph. It was very odd for me. Dunno why…..call it inhibition or whatever I just get cocooned when confront big personalities. Same thing happened to me when I went to the Indian dressing room @ IIT-M chemplast. When Sachin came back from the field I was stunned, awed, mesmerized whatever you call it….may be a mixture of all these….may be more. I hesitated to even ask him for an autograph. Stupidly, I thought he must have been tired….why to bother him and so on….sounds so stupid….but it’s true. To my ecstasy, Anand signed my chessboard. I requested his seconds to sign as well. They signed too….Mrs. Anand hesitated….She said no no no….I won’t like to sign. I did not persist. I wished him all the luck for the match and occupied another table. While munching plater of Noodles I kept watching the players all the time. While returning Anand returned me a smile….a smile I would never forget…..a smile that made my evening, my day, my Diwali!!!

My Chessboard with e4 signed to Vishy; e2 is belongs to Peter; d5 e6 have been occupied by Radek and Rustam respectively; GM Surya is missing....

During the next game, I could smuggle my Canon inside the hall to take photos (http://picasaweb.google.com/guruprasad.katti/WorldChessChampionship2008_Bonn#) of the champions. As Mario Puzo says in Godfather Man has to make at least one crime to be successful. True Indeed.

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* There are people arguing Chess is not at all a sport. I ignore paying heed to their ignorance and thank almighty for enabling me appreciating the beauty of the game. As one of the legends Anatoly Karpov puts “Chess is an Art, Science and a Sport.” What more you care in the world.