London Chess Classic: Anand draws with Carlsen

London: World Champion Viswanathan Anand played out another draw, signing peace with Magnus Carlsen of Norway in the eighth and penultimate round of London Chess Classic.

On his 42nd birthday, the draw came easy for Anand as he remained on joint fifth spot, taking his tally to eight points in the soccer-like scoring system. Vladimir Kramnik of Russia steered clear of the field with a hard-fought victory over Luke McShane of England. The Russian moved to 15 points with just one round remaining in the 160000 Euros prize money tournament. With 13 points in his bag, Carlsen holds the second spot while Hikaru Nakamura and McShane are now joint third on 12 points apiece. Anand and Levon Aronian of Armenia came in next on eight points, three points ahead of Short. David Howell of England pulled away from the last spot on four points, one better than compatriot Michst to fiael Adams who had a bye. Anand yet again played it out safe in the Queen`s gambit declined. Once again, Anand was the first to finish his game after Carlsen equalised easily and entered a balanced rook and pawns endgame. The game lasted 33 moves. PTI