Back on track

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.
Nakamura got the better of an out-of-sort Nigel Short who suffered his fourth defeat in the 145000 Euro tournament being played on round robin basis between eight players.
Adams holds the sixth spot on six points while David Howell remained on two, a full point ahead of back-ranker Nigel Short.

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.
“I was better after the opening but it was just slightly better, if it was serious, I did not see it,” the world champion said.

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.