Candidates Chess R5: Anand Draws Andreikin, Keeps Lead with 3.5!

Khanty Mansiysk (Russia): Former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand played out an easy draw as black against lowest-seeded Dmitry Andreikin of Russia in the fifth round, but kept the lead at the Candidates chess tournament here. Viswanathan Anand draws comfortably with Dmitry Andreikin. Photos: FIDE It turned out to be a no-hassle day for Anand as the Indian was seen pressing for an advantage towards the end of the game. The draw took Anand to 3.5 points out of a possible five and he keeps his half point lead with the end of the first half now approaching near.Anand chose the Berlin defense, an opening he has not been able to break...

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Candidates Chess 2014 R4: Anand Draws Kramnik, Leads with 3 Points

Five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand played out a draw with Vladimir Kramnik in the fourth round but remained in sole lead to stay in contention in the Candidates chess tournament in Khanty Mansiysk. Anand - Kramnik Draw in Round 4. Official website Kramnik’s Vienna variation has been analysed extensively and Anand went for a variation which is conclusively drawn.  The draw took Anand to three points out of a possible four and the Indian remained in sole lead. Kramnik remained in second place on 2.5 and was joined by top seed Levon Aronian of Armenia on 2.5 points. Aronian scored a remarkable victory over Russian...

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Chess Candidates 2014 R3: Anand Crushes Mamedyarov, Takes Leads

Khanti Mansiysk, Russia: Five-time World Chess Champion Viswanthan Anand continued his fine form and crashed through the defences of Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan to notch up his second successive win in the Candidates Chess tournament. Viswanathan Anand picks up a crushing victory over Shakhriyar Mamedyarov in Round 3. Photo: FIDE  Not many experts had given Anand a chance coming in to candidates after he lost the World Chess Championship match against Magnus Carlsen of Norway in November last year. However, the 'Tiger from Madras' has not only proved his critics wrong but has also emerged as a serious contender even though...

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Chess Candidates 2014 R2: Anand Keeps Joint Lead with Kramnik, Svidler

World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand played out an easy draw with black against former World Chess Champion Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria in the second round of the Candidates Chess 2014 in Khanty Mansiysk, Russia, on Friday. Not missing anything after his fantastic opening round victory against top seed Levon Aronian of Armenia, Anand came up with another emphatic display of positional chess. The Indian ace moved to 1.5 points out of a possible two, a tally now matched by the Russian duo of Vladimir Kramnik and Peter Svidler. While the opening day saw only Anand winning and rest of the games ending in draws, the second round was in contrast,...

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Chess Candidates 2014: Anand begins with Win Over Top Seed Aronian

Levon Aronian crumbles versus Viswanathan Anand in Round 1 at the Khanty Mansiysk World Chess Candidates 2014. Photo: FIDE Five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand displayed top form to beat top seed and rating-favourite Levon Aronian of Armenia in the first game of the first round of the Candidates chess tournament in Khanty Mansiysk (Russia) on Thursday.Anand made most of the offered opportunities and came on top as Aronian proved no match in the complexities that ensued. The Indian ace was seen at the top of his game for the major part of the high intensity game.  After attaining equality, Anand obtained and edge. The Queens...

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Viswanathan Anand all set for World Chess Candidates in Khanty Mansiysk

Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia: With odds stacked against him, five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand will look forward to making a grand comeback in the Candidates chess tournament that starts in Khanty-Mansiysk with the first round on Thursday.   With the weather slated to hit -14 degrees during the week, the heated battles are likely to compensate for them as eight of the world elite compete here to find the next challenger for World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway. It may be recalled that Carlsen defeated Anand in the last world chess championship match at Chennai by 6.5-3.5 margin to become the undisputed king of the...

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I have Hunger to Play Good Chess: Anand

Former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand on his preparation for the Candidates 2014 in an interview to Ashok Venugopal for Sunday Standard - The New Indian Express How are you preparing for the Candidates tournament? A lot of strong players will be in action. Who do you think is a tough opponent? The Candidates will be a tough event — strong players and a grueling format. I think there is no one particular favourite. It depends on who is in top form. I have been preparing for the event since January.Have you made any change in the style of preparation? Again, can’t say much.Have you changed your seconds from the World Championship? I...

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