Second Gelfand-Anand match ends in draw

World Chess Championship game ends after 25 moves; Israeli challenger says he managed to maintain pressure

By Ilan Ben Zion and Yifa Yaakov 12 May 2012, 5:00 pm Edit

Boris Gelfand (photo credit:Miriam Alster/Flash90)

The second match between Israeli Grandmaster Boris Gelfand and defending World Champion Viswanathan Anand of India ended in a draw on Saturday afternoon after 25 moves.

“I managed to get just a slight symbolic edge at the opening,” commented Gelfand after the match, adding that while he was able to “maintain the pressure” throughout the game, Anand had made some brave moves.

On Friday, Gelfand drew with Anand in the opening round of the Moscow World Chess Championship.

Gelfand held Anand at bay with solid defensive play, but the Israeli competitor opted for the draw. “I spent a long time considering my final move, but I couldn’t see a way to improve my position,” revealed Gelfand at a press conference following Friday’s match.

This is the fifth time Anand will be forced to defend his title, though he no longer holds the top world ranking, falling to No. 4 recently. Gelfand is ranked 22.

Although Anand is widely considered the favorite, Gelfand came out fighting for a chance at his first world title in this year’s World Chess Championship.