Anand on course

Anand, playing with black pieces and facing Yermolinsky for the first time in his career, but found hard to gain middle-game superiority as Yermolinsky held on tactfully to frustrate black8217;s manoeuvres.

Yermolinsky, who prefers to surprise opponents by changing his tactics, did best to hold Anand from surging into his territory and Anand was forced to offer draw after 27 moves.

Facing Guicco Piano opening, Anand made a new tenth move and after the exchange of Bishops. Both players seemed to have settled for the draw.In the penultimate round, Anand withwhite pieces plays Peruvian Granda Zuniga. Both their previous encounters have ended in draws.

Pairings 8th round

Michael Adams Eng vs Peter Svidler Rus, Viswanathan Anand Ind vs Granda Zuniga Peru, Michael Krasenkov Pol vs Alex Yermolinsky US, Peter Leko Hun vs Miguel Illescas Esp, Alexander Beliavsky Slv vs San Segundo Esp.