Kasparov pulls away from Anand

Wijk Aan Zee, Jan 31: Garry Kasparov ended Viswanathan Anand8217;s hopes of winning the annual Hoogovens International Grandmasters chess tournament by defeating Peter Svidler in the 12th round yesterday. That took his tally to 9.5 points and with Anand engaged in a quick 19-move draw with Alex Yermolinsky of the United States, Kasparov was one point clear of the Indian.Theoretically Anand can only catch up with Kasparov if the Russian looses to Vladimir Kramnik 7.5 and Anand beats Bulgarian Veselin Topalov in the last round.

While Anand with white may beat Topalov, Kasparov will in all probability play out a comfortable draw and ensure he gets the title and 11,000 prize money.