Anand to take on Svidler

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand will meet Russian Peter Svidler in the seventh round of 10th Tal Memorial International chess tournament.

A perfect record with white, a rare slip against Vladimir Kramnik of Russia and some excellent preparation as black just about sums up Anand’s enterprising play in the $200000 prize money tournament so far and all he needs now is a good finish to make the podium.

With 3.5 points from the first six rounds, Anand will have two games with white pieces out of the last three and he will have to win two games in all likelihood.

Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia leads the event solely on 4.5 points, enjoying a half point lead over Anish Giri of Holland, who is sole second. Anand comes next in standings along with Kramnik and Levon Aronian of Armenia.