07 May,2010 07:20 AM IST | | Manisha Mohite
It is easier to get a winning position but difficult to convert it to victory, goes a chess adage and Viswanathan Anand found how true it could be, in the ninth round of the World Chess Championship at Sofia, Bulgaria.
On a few occasions in this crucial game against Veselin Topalov, Anand strangely fumbled while finding the correct continuations for victory. This was the longest game of this 12-game series so far and lasted 83 moves after which a draw was settled by perpetual checks, forced by Topalov. The score now stands 4.5-4.5u00a0 and with just three more games remaining, interest has perked up with the players showing great fighting spirit .
A tired Anand said, "I did miss two or three winning opportunities but the position was difficult." Yesterday's blunder in a drawing position cost Anand a precious half point and also the lead.u00a0 Lady Luck, for sure has not been smiling on Anand lately.
Topalov on the other hand, was delighted with the half point gift and said: "I was lucky today and am satisfied with the result." When asked whether he is enjoying the luck of a champion, Topalov suggested to wait for the match to be over before speculating. Quite clearly the Indian has been struggling and the Bulgarian leading a charmed life.
For the last two games, both players have been far from their best, making many mistakes and missing out on good moves. In fact, this could be termed as one of Anand's worst games even though he was not on the losing side.
Yes, it was the blue shirt once again for the ninth game worn by Anand but it wasn't the Catalan for the fifth time in the ninth game.u00a0 Playing the Nimzo Indian defence, Topalov was soon walking into Anand's home prepared line. Things became exciting after Topalov gave up his rooks for Anand's queen and had to watch as the Indian started enjoying better position. Anand's rooks with the support of the knight started hunting for the King once most pieces were exchanged.
On the 40th move, at the first time control Anand made a mistake and lost the quickest route to victory. Immediately on realising it, Anand appeared to be upset but once again made a few good moves to bring back winning hopes. This time too Anand was error-prone and allowed Topalov to escape with a draw.
