Anand dominates

Anand kept his all-win record intact after delivering the knockout punch to Ivanchuk in the rapid game. The Indian ace has won all his mini-matches here and has dropped just one point out of a possible 10. Ivanchuk, however, successfully ended Anand8217;s great run in the blindfold section by holding the speed king to a draw.

Playing white in a Scotch opening in the blindfold game, Ivanchuk got a routine position where players castled on opposite flanks and even thought the Ukrainian won a pawn, the extra material was quite inconsequential as it could only become a part of Anand8217;s defences. The peace was signed in just 25 moves. Anand went for a much more complex battle in the returngame with white pieces. It was a French defence wherein Ivanchuk opted for less trodden paths and again won a pawn.

However this time, Anand had sufficient compensation and he kept probing till such time Ivanchuk8217;s defences collapsed. Leading the game to a queen and pawn ending, Anand settled matters decisively in 55 moves.