December 19, 2012 - 17:00 AMT
Levon Aronian to spend New Year in Philippines

Armenian grandmaster Levon Aronian commented on his victory at World Mind Games blindfold tournament.

“On the first couple of days I was fighting with the lack of sleep due to the jet lag (I came straight from the London Classics), but then I recovered and won my favorite - the blindfold event!,” the player wrote on his Facebook page.

“Another great and surprising thing happened here in Beijing! On the day of the opening of the Mind Games I have received a call from the Armenian Ambassador to China, Mr. Armen Sargsyan inviting me to be present at the embassy during Charles Aznavour’s visit.

For every Armenian Mr. Aznavour is like a saint, and it was a great experience to meet him. I was a bit shy to ask him to take a photo with me, but someone took a group photo, so I have a proof!,” the post read.

Aronian further wrote about his plans to spend the New Year in the Philippines, and then participate in Wijk Aan Zee 2013.