Anand powerful play disposes of Carlsen in a neat win. Leko holds Topalov in a topical Queen’s Indian. Svidler’s pressure is neutralised by Ivanchuk. Morozevich’s wild attack forces Aronian to settle for a draw.
Carlsen – Anand
Anand equalised comfortably in the Semi-Slav, and encircles the king in a semi-endgame. He forces a decisive entry of his Rook into White’s position. His bishop and rook dominates Carlsen’s position and forces its collapse.
Topalov – Leko
Topalov emerges from a Queen’s Indian defence with a strong passed pawn on c6. But Leko liquidates the position into an opposite coloured bishops endgame that he holds.
Svidler – Ivanchuk
Ivanchuk sparks off a tactical sequence in the Petroff that forces a drastic simplification into a semi-endgame. Svidler has some pressure and forces Ivanchuk into an awkward defensive posture. Ivanchuk’s active knight gains some stability on the kingside. Both sides battle hard as the position drifts towards a balanced rook endgame.
Morozevich – Aronian
Morozevich sacrifices a pawn against Aronian’s Ragozin defence is rebuffed by Aronian. Morozevich launches into a wild attack that connects through to Black’s king. Aronian’s counter attack forces Morozevich to yield to a draw.