Rediff

Mexico City, Sep 21: Viswanathan Anand scored a sensational win over Russian Grand Master Alexander Grischuk in the seventh round to shoot back into sole lead at the World Chess Championship in Mexico City.

Anand outplayed Grischuk in a game that for most part seemed headed for a draw.

With a breakthrough on his 31st move, Anand sacrificed his pawn to carve out a victory in 50 moves and take his tally to five points from seven games. Anand has won three of his seven games and drawn the other four.

Anand's nearest rival, Boris Gelfand, who briefly shared the lead with the Indian ace, failed to score over Vladimir Kramnik and fell half a point behind Anand. Gelfand is at 4.5 points and Kramnik had four.

With the first half of the tournament belonging World No. 1, Anand, it now remains to be seen if he can maintain the tempo in the second half.

Gelfand seemed to go all out with a relentless attack on Kramnik�s position throughout the game. But towards the end, the grip loosened and Kramnik escaped with a draw. Gelfand accepted the draw in the 40th move.

A little later, Anand completed his win over Grischuk to overtake Gelfand and become the sole leader. Grischuk has got 3.5 points at the first half of the tournament.

Peter Leko, still looking for his first win drew with Alexander Morozevich in 60 moves.

Peter Svidler and Levon Aronian played a draw in their seventh round game. Svidler has no wins so far ands has lost twice for 2.5 Aronian has three points from four draws and his win over Peter Leko.

Results of Round 7: Anand beat Grischuk; Kramnik drew with Gelfand; Svidler drew with Aronian; Morozevich drew with Leko

Standings after Round 7: 1. Anand 5 points; 2. Boris Gelfand, 4.5; 3. 3. Vladimir Kramnik 4; 4. Grischuk 3.5; 5. Leko and Aronian 3 points; 7. Morozevich and Svidler 2.5.