World Chess Championship round 10

Aronian wins, Anand on the way to a World Champion title

Results

Kramnik Anand ½-½ live commentary by IM Karakehayov
Svidler Morozevich ½-½
Aronian - Grischuk 1-0
Gelfand - Leko ½-½ live commentary by IM Karakehayov

Highlights

Vishy Anand held Vladimir Kramnik to a draw with black pieces in the game that we have called the last chance to catch the Indian on his triumph chase. Semi-Slav defence, already seen in Aronian-Anand and Kramnik-Svidler, was deeply explored by both players who were probably following home preparation all the way to the move 24. Anand gave up the exchange for two pawns and both kings ended somewhat exposed. In the dynamically balanced position, Kramnik tried to penetrate back rank with his heavy pieces and Anand bravely advanced passed pawns on the queenside, setting the king for a walk. Just after the time control draw was agreed in the position possibly even slightly better for Anand. But he had no urge to force matters, particularly since Boris Gelfand already drew his game, and shook Kramnik's hand.

Vladimir Kramnik and Vishy Anand

With four rounds to go, Anand is clear point ahead of 2nd placed Boris Gelfand. He still has to play Morozevich and Leko with white and Svidler and Grischuk with black. Observers are already bidding if Anand could beat Kramnik in the rematch guaranteed to the current World Champion.

Alexander Grischuk continues with warm-cold play. After he dispersed Gelfand's hopes in beautiful rook endgame yesterday, today he tried odd-looking setup against Levon Aronian. But we should have in mind that Aronian is master of unorthodox play and he venturously dived into the complications. The game was ended with a cute mating net just when Grischuk wanted to promote his pawn. Wonderful effort by Aronian who is now back at 50% score.

Levon Aronian and Alexander Grischuk

Alexander Morozevich continues with crazy variety in his opening choices, today he played Caro-Kan against Peter Svidler. In the complex middlegame both were maneuvering trying to exploit opponent's weaknesses, but after the queens swap on move 44, players have agreed on draw.

Of course, we were all expecting Boris Gelfand with white to fire hidden opening projectiles at Peter Leko and continue pursuit after Vishy Anand. Instead, Peter Leko easily equalised and Gelfand disappointingly forced repetition as early as on move 22. Today Gelfand is playing white against Svidler.

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