Anand goes down to Aronian, slips to tied 3rd in Linares
Press Trust of India, India
Linares (Spain), Feb 21 (PTI) World champion Viswanathan Anand frittered away a superior position as he went down to Armenian Grandmaster Levon Aronian and slipped to the joint third spot after the second round of the 22nd Magistral Ciudad de Linares chess tournament here.
Having started with a brilliant victory against Teimour Radjabov in the opener, Anand had a big advantage before he suddenly missed some simple tactics and lost without further resistance.
Aronian emerged as the new leader along with Grandmaster Alexander Grischuk of Russia, who tamed Wang Yue of China. The other two games of the second round were drawn.
Anand shares the third spot with Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine, Magnus Carlson of Norway and Lenier Dominguez of Cuba.
Radjabov and Wang Yue are now at the bottom of the tables with a half point each. Twelve rounds still remain in the traditional tournament which is being played on a double round robin basis between eight players.
Anand showcased his preparation against the Semi Slav defense and went for a razor-sharp pawn sacrifice that had been played before. Aronian accepted the pawn offer but came under tremendous pressure on the king side.
PTI
It can happen to anyone.