Anand draws with Foreest, joint sixth

Wijk Aan Zee (The Netherlands), January 18

Viswanathan Anand was held to an easy draw by Dutch hopeful Jorden Van Foreest in the sixth round of the Tata Steel Masters.

As has been the case throughout the event, Anand has been trying to play very complicated positions and the sixth round was no different. The Indian ace faced the Four Knights opening as black and unleashed an attack in the centre early by sacrificing two pawns. Even though it’s part of theory, it is considered a bit dangerous for both. White’s king was stuck around the centre for a long time while Anand’s pieces tried to make a foray.

With three points to his credit from six games, Anand remained in joint sixth spot in one of the strongest tournaments in the world. With seven rounds still remaining, Anand, however, needs a very strong finish to be in with a chance of finishing on the podium.

Magnus Carlsen’s hunt for an elusive victory continued as he played out his sixth draw on the trot. It was an 18th straight draw between him and Fabiano Caruana of the US in the classical time control. — PTI