Anand keeps Morelia-Linares crown

Reigning World Champion Viswanathan Anand continued with his golden touch as he retained Morelia-Linares Super Grand Master title after playing out an easy draw with former world champion Bulgaria’s Veselin Topalov in the final round at Linares, Spain on Friday.

India’s chess ace Anand maintained his supremacy taking the Indian tricolour to great heights. Anand completed the proceedings of this category-21 tournament with 8.5 points with a clear half point ahead of nearest rival Magnus Carlsen of Norway.

Carlsen, who needed a win over Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan to seal the title in his favour, could not be able to make it to the top, played out a draw in his last game.

Levon Aronian of Armenia settled for a draw with Peter Leko of Hungary while Alexei Shirov of Spain had the same result against Ukrainian Vassily Ivanchuk making it an all-draws affair in the last round of the tournament.

In the final standings, Aronian and Topalov got the tied third spot with 7.5 points, Radjabov finished fifth on 7, Ivanchuk is on sixth with a half point behind while Shirov and Leko tied for the seventh spot earning 5.5 points apiece.

Anand had won the last edition of the title after scoring same 8.5 points but was full point ahead of all nearest contenders. Playing with white, Anand had a cautious start against Topalov, as he knew that his half point lead was not enough since Carlsen could make it to the top by sealing his tie.

RESULTS (Round 14)

Vishy Anand ½-½ Veselin Topalov Peter Leko ½-½ Levon Aronian Magnus Carlsen ½-½ Teimour Radjabov Alexei Shirov ½-½ Vassily Ivanchuk

FINAL STANDINGS

1 V Anand 8.5 Points 2 M Carlsen 8 3 V Topalov7.5 4 L Aronian 7.5 5 T Radjabov 7 6 V Ivanchuk 6.5 7 P Leko 5.5 8 A Shirov 5.5