By IANS
New Delhi : India’s Viswanathan Anand defeated Lev Aronian of Armenia on the opening day of the Grenke Leasing World Rapid Championship here, avenging his defeat in the final of the FiNet Chess960.
Anand was in sublime form Friday with his white pieces. By the time Aronian realised what was happening on the board, Anand surrounded the black pieces and finally gave a check to Aronian’s King on the 37th move, according to information received here from the organisers.
Aronian, however, survived the attack but could not bear the pressure of Anand’s onslaught and surrendered meekly on the 40th move.
With the victory, Anand was more at ease against Frenchman Etienne Bacrot in the next game.
Playing with black Anand replied with e5 to Bacrot’s opening move of e4. In this game also, Anand took to Ruy Lopez lines, which gave him the earlier two wins.
Though he had some problems in the middle of the game, he was able to keep them away. He played a relaxed game and agreed for a draw when offered on the 37th move.