Corus Chess: Anand draws with Sokolov

Wijk Aan Zee:

Viswanathan Anand was held to a draw in the fourth round of the Corus International Chess tournament underway in Wijk Aan Zee in The Netherlands. But Koneru Humpy brought cheer to the Indian camp, with a convincing victory over Kateryna Lahno of Ukraine. Anand took it easy as black against Sokolov in a game lasting just 15 moves. The Dutchman was also content with half a point despite playing white. Humpy's second victory As a result of the tame draw, Veselin Topalov joined Anand in the lead with another sparkling victory over Loek Van Wely of Holland. The category-19 event is being played on a round robin basis. Anand as a bit subdued against Sokolov who played the white side of a Queen's Gambit. But the Indian was never in trouble and soon after the opening got over, there was no doubt that a draw was a just result. Meanwhile in the 'B' group being played simultaneously, Koneru Humpy registered her second victory in the event accounting for Kateryna Lahno of Ukraine. Humpy, thus, took her tally to 2.5 points out of a possible four from the tournament. The Indian was in top form in the game against Lahno. Playing white, she gave little chance to her younger opponent in the Queen's Gambit and won after 41 moves. (PTI)