Anand draws fifth game, leads WC 3-2

Published Sat, May 01 10 12:08 AM

Sofia (Bulgaria), Apr 30 (PTI) World champion Viswanathan Anand continued his impressive showing and carved out a fine draw against challenger Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria in the fifth game to hold on to his lead in the ongoing World Championship here. Anand now leads the 12-game 3-2 and would be playing with the white pieces in the next match tomorrow and also in the seventh game on Monday. Anand had earlier lost the first game unceremoniously against Topalov but drew level in the second in sparkling fashion. The Indian drew the third and then won the fourth game comprehensively. Playing with black pieces, Anand once again opted for the Slav defence, Smyslov variation and traded queens early. Anand gave an exhibition of his defensive skills as he appeared to have no problems whatsoever. After repeating the moves, it was Anand who deviated on the 15th turn. There was darkness for almost 15 minutes because of power failure. However, it did not have any affect the players'' concentration as Anand craftily exchanged pieces at every possible opportunity. Both the players had a rook and minor piece each with identical number of pawns when they decided to sign piece after 44 moves. "I took some extra time after the electricity supply was resumed just to make sure of my next moves and then executed it," Anand said after the game.

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