08 August,2017 08:24 AM IST | St. Louis (USA) | PTI
Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand crashed through the defences of World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana in the fifth round and jumped to the joint second spot in the Sinquefield Cup yesterday
Viswanathan Anand
Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand crashed through the defences of World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana in the fifth round and jumped to the joint second spot in the Sinquefield Cup yesterday.
If the first four games were easy draws, Anand showed to the world that he was patiently waiting for his chances. The Indian showcased one of his best games in recent times, a game that will find its way in the collections of best games ever played by Anand.
Caruana clearly overestimated his chances in the middle game, arising out of an English opening. Not going for the tried and tested variations, the American managed a decent position with his black pieces but then got tempted with a tactical sequence that spelt doom.
Caruana's judgement was not by his side but Anand was at his best in calculation as he figured out a beautiful combination involving a queen sacrifice. Putting his queen en prise, Anand knew it was all over and it took a moment for Caruana to register the facts on board. The game lasted a mere 29 moves.
Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France inched up to 3.5 points out of a possible five while Anand is right behind him on three points along with World Champion Magnus Carlsen.
