Anand draws with van Foreest in Wijk

WIJK AAN ZEE, THE NETHERLANDS: Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand was held to an easy draw by Dutch hopeful Jorden Van Foreest in the sixth round of Tata Steel Masters here on Saturday. As has been the case throughout the event, Anand has been trying to play very complicated positions and the sixth round was no different.

Anand 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. After the trade of queens, it was a cautious approach by both players especially after white lost back one pawn. 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 to go, he needs a strong finish to be in with a chance of finishing on 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 United States in the Classical time control.

MUNDA ELECTED AS NEW AAI PRESIDENT

NEWDELHI: Union minister Arjun Munda was on Saturday elected as president of the suspended Archery Association of India (AAI) in its much-delayed elections. Enjoying the support of former AAI President Vijay Kumar Malhotra, Munda had a smooth sailing as he beat his rival BVP Rao by a margin of 34-18 votes.