Luck deserted Viswanathan Anand again as the Indian had to be content with a second place finish in the Zurich Chess Challenge that concluded here. USA’s Hikaru Nakamura pipped the Indian at the post once again as he had the better tie-break score.
Last year, Anand had come here after a forgettable show in the Grenke Classic at Germany and had won the Classical section.
After tying for first with Nakamura, Anand had the better tie-break but an unannounced Armageddon game was played in which Nakamura won and became the winner.
This year when Nakamura had a better tie-break, there was no Armageddon announced or played. Overall it was a very satisfactory performance for Anand and he can now look up to the forthcoming Candidates tournament at Moscow next month.
The Indian ace scored seven points out of a possible five Classical-Rapid and 3.5 in Blitz Chess to match Nakamura on 10.5 points. Vladimir Kramnik of Russia finished third on 9.5 points.
Earlier, Anand drew the final rapid game against Kramnik when nothing really happened once Kramnik came up with a home-cooked analysis and caught the Indian unawares. Anand quickly resorted to equalising measures and the peace was signed. In the ensuing blitz games Anand defeated Aronian.
Anand had opened the Zurich account with a victory over Aronian in the opening round and he finished the whitewash with an eye-pleasing combination.
Another victory over Shirov and three drawn games against Kramnik, Nakamura and Anish Giri saw the Indian on the podium.
Final standings: 1-2: Hikaru Nakamura (USA), Viswanathan Anand (Ind) 10.5 points; 3. Vladimir Kramnik (Rus) 9.5; 4-5. Anish Giri (Ned), Levon Aronian (Arm) 5.5; 6. Alexei Shirov (Lat) 3.5.
