After a first game which has been described as a kind of observation round, Anand surprised Kramnik by playing 1. d4 in the second. He came close to winning the game, were he not in time trouble.

Thursday was a day off. Surely the players devoted this day to relaxing and planning with their respective teams the strategy they will use after the first 2 rounds.

Long before the third game started, the playing hall was filled up, the spectators wanting to choose the best places.

As usual, Anand was first to come, some 10 minutes before the round was due to begin. He headed quickly to his rest room accompanied by one of the arbiters. He was followed shortly after by Kramnik who went also to his rest room under the supervision of another arbiter.

About 2 or 3 minutes before 3 o’clock, Anand hurried to his seat. Kramnik arrived seconds later. They shook hands and at 3 o’clock sharp, the game started.

What a day! Anand has won after a fantastic game to the joy of chess fans. He leads with 2 points to 1. How will Kramnik react tomorrow? Let us hope for another exciting game.
 

by Lakhdar Mazouz