Anand crushes Radjabov to win his 9th World Rapid Chess title

Mainz, Germany, Aug 20 (UNI) Defending Champion Viswanathan Anand stamped his class yet again as he outmaneuverd Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan here today en route to win the coveted World Rapid Chess title for a record ninth time with the last seven coming in a row.

On the last day of the Chess Classic he thrashed young Radjabov in both the games to take the score to 5-3 thus asserting his supremacy in the rapid form of the game.

''I must admit I was a bit nervous and prepared hard for the game last night. But after winning the first game with black, the fear factor disappeared and I thought a draw will do. However, Radjabov miscalulated and I won,'' Anand told UNI after his triumph.

''I am very delighted to win the title for the ninth time,'' he said and praised Radjabov for putting up a spirited challenge.

Anand played his normal game with black pieces to beat Radjabov in the seventh game and took a point's lead over his opponent.

Both the players were meticulous in their moves putting defence on their priority. However, Anand moved into advantageous position by securing all the important squares.

Radjabov tried to lure Anand at several points but the wily Indian was in no mood to oblige. Early in the game, Anand sacrificed a knight for three white pawns while Radjabov sacrificed a rook for three of Anand's pawns.

Both the players exchanged queens later and in the end Anand's rook and Radjabov's knight were left to settle the issue where the former prevailed.

In the second game of the day, Anand played with white and had the momentum on his side. Radjabov, desperate to stay in the hunt, lost his cool and made a number of wrong moves before resigning to a superior player.

UNI XC DH PM RK1642