Anand Hits Back
By Arvind Aaron

Having lost the blindfold game to Alexander Morozevich of Russia in the fifth round, World Champion Viswanathan Anand hitback during the day to win the rapid encounter against the same opponent and level the score at 1-1 at Nice on March 20. Seven of the twelve games ended decisively on Thursday and all were won by white.

Anand is tied for the joint second place on 5.5 points after five rounds or ten games. Levon Aronian of Armenia is leading with 6.5 points from ten games. Six rounds or 12 games remain to be played in this 12-player Euro 216,000 Amber Tournament. Along with Anand on 5.5 points are Kramnik, Carlsen, Ivanchuk, Topalov, Leko.

Facing a French defence from Morozevich, Anand as white snapped the support link to an intruding black knight to win that and the game and level the score.

Earlier, in the blindfold encounter, Morozevich sacrificed a knight for two pawns to attack and win a rook and the game. Anand had played the Semi-Slav with the black pieces.

The fifth round results (blindfold): Topalov drew with Kramnik, Leko bt Mamedyarov, Morozevich bt Anand, Carlsen bt Gelfand, Ivanchuk drew with Aronian, Van Wely drew with Karjakin.

The fifth round results (rapid): Kramnik bt Topalov, Mamedyarov drew with Leko, Anand bt Morozevich, Gelfand drew with Carlsen, Aronian bt Ivanchuk, Karjakin bt Van Wely.
 

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Home                                                       Published on 21^st  March, 2008