Corus Round 7: Anand leads alone at last

Corus Wijk aan Zee 2004 – Round 7

66th Wijk aan Zee Tournament – Jan. 10-25 Category 19 (avg. Elo 2702)

Somehow it seemed inevitable. As we crossed the halfway mark in Wijk aan Zee Vishy Anand took over clear first place. Anand took the unofficial Asian title as well by beating Zhang Zhong with black with more than a little help from the 25-year-old Chinese. Kramnik and Adams were not pressed by their opponents and got short draws with black. The other leader, Topalov, lost to Svidler when he went looking for a win.

Anand tied for first with four others in Wijk aan Zee way back in 1989 when it was not yet the super-elite event is has become. In 96 he finished behind Ivanchuk and in 1998 he tied for first with Kramnik. From 1999-2001 Garry Kasparov stopped by to collect three clear firsts with Anand hot on his heels in all three events. In 2002 Anand didn't play but he was back last year for his first ever clear first in Wijk aan Zee.

In round seven he made his move for a second consecutive title. Zhang Zhong opened up lines to his own king with a lemming-like run after gaining a fine position out of the opening. After the game Anand, in what has become a habit, pointed out various ways with which his opponent could have gained an early advantage. Maybe he'll start charging for these classes soon? Zhang, who qualified by dominating the B group last year, dropped into the cellar.

Bareev and Akopian couldn't get anywhere against Kramnik and Adams, respectively. Topalov wasn't so lucky but he has only his fighting spirit to blame so we cannot criticize. He played hard for a win against Svidler but fell into a brutal back-rank mating attack. The wild tactics in this game starting on move 14 have to be seen to be believed. Every move looks like a zwischenzug!

The other wins were interesting endgames. Bologan gave Sokolov no chance while Shirov needed some time-trouble help from Timman to notch the point.

Mig Greengard

Standings after round seven

All the games in PGN (no notes) GM group A • GM group B • GM group C