Out-of-form rivals give Anand realistic chance

Going by the standings so far, Anand’s opponents in the final four rounds have not had the best of results, and if the Indian cashes in on that, it would be an excellent start to the new mellinnium in this super GM category-18 event.

Anand plays Russia’s Alexander Morozevich, Nigel Short of England, Jeroen Piket of the Netherlands and Sambat Lputian (Armenia) in the final four rounds in that order. Anand’s 10th round match with Morozevich was in progress at the time of going to the press on Thursday.

In the 10th round matches completed thus far, Vladimir Kramnik drew with Judit Polgar whileLputian split point with Michael Adams.

Russia’s Kasparov (6.5), after nine rounds, has a distinctedge over other rivals with compatriot Kramnik (6.5 after 10 rounds) on level terms.

World No 1 Kasparov, however, has still to play Kramnik, who has excellent record against his illustrious opponent. Should Kramnik-Kasparov game end in a truce, Anand has a good opportunity to take the advantage of the situation.

The tournament so far has again shown that Kasparov is still the best player in the world. He has thus far amassed 6.5 points from a possible nine.

Results (10th round)

V Kramnik (Rus, 6.5) drew J Polgar (Hun, 3.5), S Lputian (Arm, 4) drew M Adams (Eng, 5.5). 9th round: J Polgar (Hun) drew P Leko (Hun, 5.5); V Korchnoi (Swiss, 3) lost to P Nikolic (Bosnia, 4.5); G Kasparov (Russia, 6.5) bt J Timman (Ned, 4); M Adams drew V Anand (Ind, 5.5); V Kramnik drew J Piket (Ned, 5); A Morozevich (Russia, 5) drew N Short (Eng, 4); Loek Van Wely (Ned, 2.5) drew Sambat Lputian.