New Delhi: Five time world champion Viswanathan Anand on Saturday gave jitters to his fans before signing an early draw with top seed Levon Aronian of Armenia in the eighth round of Candidates chess tournament in Khanty Mansiysk (Russia).
The draw against Aronian was important for Anand as the Indian ace not only maintained his joint lead with the Armenian but now also has four white games ahead in the last six rounds that gives him an edge over others.
Vladimir Kramnik of Russia could not get past the solid defences of resurgent compatriot Dmitry Andreikin and had to settle for a draw and the game between Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan was also drawn after showing promise of an intense battle.
With six rounds still to go, Anand and Aronian have five points apiece and they are followed by Kramnik on 4.5 points. Svidler on 3.5 has an extra ongoing game in hand.
