STAVANGER (NORWAY), June 18: Former world champion Viswanathan Anand pushed yet again but could not break the solid defences of Anish Giri of Holland and had to settle for a second straight draw in the Norway chess tournament, a part of the Grand Chess tour.
After allowing an easy draw as white, it was Anand’s turn to fight with the black pieces and the Indian ace took his chances when Giri ventured into troubled waters.
It was a double Fianchetto by Giri in the opening and the Dutchman allowed Anand to come up with an exchange sacrifice to get dangerous passed pawns on the queen side.
Giri gave his extra material back in time but landed in further troubles in the ensuing rook and pawns endgame. On the 44th turn, Anand had a better try than in the game as his extra pawn did not prove enough. The game was drawn in 53 moves.
“Today I played a horrible game,” said Giri. “I did everything to lose, but may be just not enough.”
It turned out to be another tough day for world champion Magnus Carlsen as he lost his second straight game in a row against Fabiano Caruana of Italy. (PTI)
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