Press Trust of India
St. Louis (USA), August 28: Former World Champion Viswanathan Anand’s hunt for an elusive victory continued as he was held to a draw by Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France in the fifth round of Sinquefield Cup, a part of the Grand Chess tour, here Thursday.
Getting his third draw besides two losses, Anand took his tally to 1.5 points out of a possible five and with just four rounds to come, the Indian needs some big wins to recover the lost ground.
Anand now occupies the bottom of the tables with 1.5 points each. Anand came up with a surprise choice in the Sicilian Najdorf against Vachier-Lagrave. The quite approach led to quick exchange of pieces in the ensuing middle game and Anand had an extra pawn to his credit when the dust subsided.
Vachier-Lagrave, to his credit, however was not perturbed as his active pieces ensured enough counter-play despite the pawn deficit. Anand reached a rook and pawns endgame where he still retained the extra pawn but the nature of the position was closer to a draw always. The peace was signed after 42 moves.
The games will now resume after the lone rest day slated Friday. Anand will meet Giri in the sixth round.