Tata Steel Chess: Anand starts well, Carlsen leads after day one

Viswanathan Anand drew with Ding Liren of China and Wesley So of United States before going down to Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia on first day of Tata Steel Chess tournament here on Friday. World champion Magnus Carlsen of rway steered ahe of rivals winning two and drawing one game and ended day with five points overall as each of rapid games are worth two points for a win and one for a draw. With Carlsen surging ahe, Hikaru Nakamur of United States emerged on second spot with four points in all. Anand shared third spot with Anish Giri of Holland, Ding Liren and compatriots Vidit Gujrathi and P Harikrishna. 

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efforts of Harikrishna and Gujrathi were praiseworthy on an opening day as y both remained undefeated and pulled out three draws apiece. Levon Aornian of Armenia, Wesley So and Nepomniachtchi shared eighth spot on two points apiece with six rounds still to come in rapid section of super tournament, which will be followed by a blitz event that will last ar eighteen rounds.  event carries a total prize pool of USD 150000 (slightly over Rs 1 crore).

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Anand's campaign got off to a good start as he played out a draw as black against Ding Liren in opener. Things got even better as Anand was able to beat arch-rival Wesley So in his bid to stay in contention for a place in grand finale of grand chess tour to be held at London in about a week's time. However, things took a turn for bitter in final game of day as Anand faced a rejuvenated Nepomniachtchi after two successive losses in first two games. Russian capitalized on a  kingside attack to romp home in a quick time. Anand displayed exceptional technique meanwhile to beat Wesley So out of a Ruy Lopez game. It was a closed set up that looked level with dynamics in place. Anand went for an endgame that gave him a better Bishop against a Knight. It was a long grind that lasted 72 moves. Anand needs to finish in a minimum of sixth place here in order to qualify for grand finale which will be played at London amongst top four finishers of tour.

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Standings after round 3 rapid

1. Magnus Carlsen (r, 5); 2. Hikaru Nakmura (Usa, 4); 3-7: Anish Giri (Ned), Ding Liren (Chn), V Anand, VIdit Gujrathi, P Harikrishna (All Ind) 3 points each; 8-10: Levon Aronian (Arm), Ian Nepomniachtchi (Rus).

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