Carlsen Joins Anand, McShane in lead at London Chess Classic
London, Dec 13, (PTI):
Monday, December 13, 2010
World Champion Viswanathan Anand signed truce after failing to break Englishman Luke McShane’s solid defenses while Magnus Carlsen defeated local hope David Howell to join the leaders after the fifth round of the London Chess Classic here on Monday. | |
Anand and McShane remained the only two undefeated players in the tournament following a draw between them while Carlsen benefitted from an oversight by Howell in the second time control. Going by normal rules, Anand and McShane are the only two leaders but the soccer-like scoring system, which gives three points for a win and one for a draw, has put Magnus back on track for the title with three wins. Anand and McShane have won two and drawn three which means that under normal scoring system they would tally three and a half points each, half point more than Carlsen who has lost two games. With all leaders on nine points, Vladimir Kramnik, who drew with English Michael Adams, is sharing the fourth spot along with American Hikaru Nakamura on eight points each. Anand pressed for advantage in the Berlin defense game but it seemed the Indian was much better in the middle game that ensued. McShane however remained on his guard right through and restored parity with some timely exchanges leading to a drawn queen and bishops endgame. “These are trends, a month from now we may see them all switch over to something else,” said Anand when asked about the Berlin defense that’s in vogue here. Carlsen defeated Howell from the black side of a Najdorf Sicilian. The Norwegian was in his elements post the second time control after Howell erred on the 43rd move and wrapped the issue quickly. |
Full article here.
Anand is better than Kasparov.