Kasparov assured of crown

This will be Kasparov’s second title in as many months, having won at Wijk Aan Zee last month, and his fifth here, after wins in 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1997. In 1998, the title was won by Anand in Kasparov’s absence.

Playing white, Kasparov found himself in trouble and a pawn down in the middle game after a series of exchanges in the Marshall attack in Spanish opening.

But the game took new turns as the champion, unbeaten so far in the tournament, displayed tremendous on-board innovations.

The game entered sudden death after the second time control and 60 moves and gradually tilted in favour of Kasparov. Though at one stageit looked as if Adams would hang on for a draw, Kasparov went on to win in 65 moves.

Kramnik played the Petroff defence against Anand in a game in which neither wanted to take chances. With the queens off the board after early sparring which yielded nothing, the two players were happy to draw after 21 moves.

Anand plays with black pieces in his last two rounds against Peter Svidler and Adams, while Kramnik plays Adams in the next round with black and Peter Leko in the final round with white.

Vassily Ivanchuk and Leko played out a very quick draw in 13 moves from a Ruy Lopez much to the disappointment of all. Vesselin Topalov finally scored a win in the 12th round, beating Svidler. The Bulgarian had black in the Yugoslav variation of Sicilian defence, and won in 36 moves.

In the next round, Kasparov plays black with Leko and Topalov has white against Ivanchuk.

Results:
Ivancnuk (Ukr 4.5) drew with Leko (Hun 5.5); Kasparov (Rus 9.5) beat Adams (Eng 5); Anand (Ind 6.5) drew with Kramnik (Rus7); Svidler (Rus 4.5) lost to Topalov (Bul 5.5).