Anand crushes Topalov, leads M-Tel Masters

Sofia, Bulgaria, May 13 (UNI) A quiet opening and equal middlegame exploded into flames as Viswanathan Anand crushed reigning World Champion Veselin Topalov to record his second successive win that placed him on top of the points table in the Mtel Masters chess tournament here.

This was also Anand's second successive win with the black and he now has two points in his kitty from as many matches.

Anand was always in control of the proceeding after Topalov's King pawn opening and the game continued on established lines of Rue Lopez Closed variation.

Playing against the local favourite, Anand was confidence personified and though Topalov tried every weapon from his arsenal but the Indian wizard never relaxed his grip and made Topalov resign.

Before this match, Anand and Topalov had met each other 34 times with both winning 17 matches and with this win -- Anand's first big victory against a reigning champion -- Anand goes one up.

Anand meets Gata Kamsky in the third round. Both the players have a long history and the Indian would be eyeing to avenge his Corus defeat to the American in January.

Standing after round 2: 1. Viswanathan Anand, IND (2); 2. Peter Svidler, RUS (1.5); 3. Gata Kamsky, USA (1.5); 4. Ruslan Ponomariov, UKR (.5); 5. Veselin Topalov, BUL (.5); 6. Etienne Bacrot, FRA (0).

Round 3 Pairing: Ruslan Ponomariov vs Veselin Topalov; Etienne Bacrot vs Peter Svidler; Viswanathan Anand vs Gata Kamsky.

UNI XC AY VP1040