Svidler wins World Cup

Peter Svidler drew easily with white pieces against fellow Russian Alexander Grishuk in the fourth game to win the World Cup chess championship at Khanty Mansiysk, Russia, on Monday.

Svidler's maiden title came after the Sicilian Defence game ended in 38 moves. Svidler's victory in the opener of the four-game final proved decisive and gave him a 2.5-1.5 triumph.

Vassily Ivanchuk took the third spot and the final qualifying place for the Candidates tournament by completing a 2.5-1.5 victory over his Ukrainian compatriot Ruslan Ponomariov.

Ivanchuk won the second game and the other three ended with honours even.

The results:

Final: Game Four: Peter Svidler (Rus, 2.5) drew with Alexander Grischuk (Rus, 1.5).

For third place: Game Four: Ruslan Ponomariov (Ukr, 1.5) drew with Vassily Ivanchuk (Ukr, 2.5).