Anand avenges defeat, equalises score in World Rapid Championship

Mainz, Germany Aug 19 (UNI) Viswanathan Anand came from behind to beat Temiour Radjabov and avenge the opening day defeat against the Azerbaijan Grandmaster on the second day of the Rapid World Championship here.

Trailing 1.5-0.5, the defending Champion came back with a win in the third game and drawing the fourth game of the four-day Championship.

In the third game, Anand, playing with Black, slowly drifted towards Queen Gambit Declined Semi Slav variation. Unlike yesterday Anand came well prepared and took no time to implement his idea.

However, in Radjabov's case the German was looking perturbed and the young Grandmaster lost control of the game. In the end game, Anand having 10 minutes at his disposal against Radjabov's two minutes, attacked the White King continuously. Unable to defend his king Radjabov meekly surrendered to the Rapid Master on the 36th move.

In the fourth game, which went on Sicilian's typical shevsnikov lines, Anand was better at some points but could not force a win against a determined Radjabov. After a marathon duel seeing no result in sight both the players agreed for a draw.

With a win and a draw Anand has now equalised his score with Radjabov and is back in contention for a ninth title.

''Today it went much better. With black I was able to use an idea I had prepared and I got very good position and converted it very well. To be honest my black game went better,'' Anand told UNI after the games.

Four more games are to be played in the next two days.

Score after four games Viswanathan Anand : 2 points Temiour Radjabov : 2 points UNI XC PM VP1317