Viswanathan, Gelfand match ends in draw

THE fourth game of the World Chess Championship match between defending champion Viswanathan Anand of India and challenger Boris Gelfand of Israel ended in a 34-move draw. Gelfand played the white pieces and Anand responded with the Semi-Slav defense.

The first three games also ended in draws and both players now have 2.0 points apiece.

The event is being staged in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia and will run for 12 rounds starting last May 11 and concluding on May 30.

Yesterday was a rest day for the protagonists and the match will resume Thursday. The prize fund is US $2.55 million with the winner getting $1.53 million. The loser on the other hand, will receive $1.02 million .

Anand has reigned as world champion since 2007 and has successfully defended his title against Vladimir Kramnik of Russia in 2008 and Vesselin Topalov of Bulgaria in 2010. Anand also won the World Junior Championships in 1987 in Baguio City, Philippines. /Correspondent Rene Bonsubre Jr