Norway chess 2022: Anand beats Radjabov; Carlsen suffers loss

The 52-year old Indian grandmaster has 13 points after the seventh round, half a point behind Carlsen, who was shocked by Norwegian compatriot Aryan Tari in the sudden death tie-break.

Viswanathan Anand now has 13 points in his kitty and will remain in the second spot despite Carlsen's loss.

Continuing his stupendous run, Viswanathan Anand overpowered Teimour Radjabov in their Armageddon game to move within half-a-point of leader Magnus Carlsen following the seventh round of the 2022 Norway Chess tournament at Stavanger on Wednesday. Going into the final rest day, Anand has 13 points after a dramatic day that saw Carlsen lose the Armageddon game to fellow Norwegian and good friend Aryan Tari, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave stop strong contender Wesley So in their classical game, like Shakhriyar Mamedyarov did against Anish Giri.

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Anand, playing white, had to tread carefully against Radjabov in their classical game that was fought on an even keel before ending in a 42-move draw. Radjabov, who will feature in the Candidates tournament beginning in 10 days, was required to make 10 moves in quick time to avoid being declared lost on time. The gritty Azerbaijani managed it very well. In the Armageddon game, Anand faced some kingside aggression and he defended well. But soon, Radjabov faltered with a bishop-retreat and Anand pounced on the opportunity with smart tactics. Radjabov saw no way of saving a bishop and resigned at once on the 25th move. The results:Seventh round: Viswanathan Anand (13/23.5) drew with Teimour Radjabov (Aze, 5/23); Armageddon: Anand bt Radjabov; Aryan Tari (Nor, 8.5/23.5) drew with Magnus Carlsen (Nor, 13.5/23); Armageddon: Tari bt Carlsen; Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra, 11.5/23) bt Wesley So (USA, 10/23.5); Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (Aze, 11.5/23) bt Anish Giri (Ned, 8/23); Veselin Topalov (Bul, 7/24) drew with Wang Hao (Chn, 5.5/23.5); Armageddon: Topalov lost to Hao.