Anand wins Corus crown

Viswanathan Anand retained the Corus title with a crushing last round win over Jan Timman of the Netherlands at Wijk Aan Zee on Friday. Anand, who remained unbeaten, collecting eight points from 11 rounds with five wins and six draws. Michael Adams finished with 6.5 points and could end up joint second if Peter Leko of Hungary too draws his game. However, if Leko defeats Zhong, the Hungarian would finish clear second with seven points. In short, Anand will enjoy at least a one-point lead in the end. Vladimir Kramnik of Russia came third with six points after his 23-move draw with Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria in the 11th round.

Anand faced the Sicilian from Timman against whom the Indian has a good head-to-head score. In the middle game, Anand won a pawn and with a good tactical shot, gave up his rook and minor piece for Queen. He then combined his Queen, rook and knight to further dent black’s position.