Anand Smashes Svidler

Anand Smashes Svidler
By Arvind Aaron

Five time former world champion Viswanathan Anand scored a crushing sixth round win over Peter Svidler of Russia.  From a quiet anti-Marshall, the Chennai mega star went for a rook sacrifice on move 18. Svidler ran short of defensive cover on the king side.

Anand combined attack with the queen and knight that forced the St Petersburg player to resign in 24 moves.  Anand won two, lost one and drew three from the six games. After the free day, Anand will play Giri with the black pieces. The first defeat for Svidler is likely to warm the eight player event that has a prize fund of Euro 420,000.