Press Trust of India
Zurich, Feb 14: Viswanathan Anand continued his fine form to outwit Anish Giri of Holland and move into the sole lead after the end of the second round of Zurich Chess Challenge here sunday.
After beating Levon Aronian of Armenia in a one-sided contest that lasted a mere 19 moves in the first round, Anand had to work hard against Giri, who played white, but in the end it was another checkmate on board for the Indian ace.
With back-to-back victories Anand moved to four points under a special scoring system that gives two points for a victory and one for a draw in rapid games.
Hikaru Nakamura of United States jumped to the sole second spot defeating Alexei Shirov of Latvia in the second round game, while the other encounter of the second round ended in a draw between Vladimir Kramnik of Russia and Aronian.
After the rapid section is over, the players will play a return blitz event, in which one point will be awarded for a win and half for a draw. The cumulative results will be added to determine the winner this year.
Anand faced the Italian opening against Giri, who showed some progress initially by exerting pressure with his white pieces. However, the optical advantage did not last long when Giri tried to make some real progress.
While the Dutchman gained spatial advantage, Anand was quick to spot an opening in the centre that promised attacking possibilities.
Once under pressure, Giri collapsed in quick time. Anand invaded the seventh rank with his rook and the Queen joined hands soon to complete the formalities after 45 moves. It was Anand at his vintage best after a lengthy period.