Anand beats Radjabov in Linares opener

World champion Viswanathan Anand opened his campaign with a thumping win over Grandmaster Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan to take the sole lead after the first round of the 22nd Magistral Ciudad de Linares Chess tournament.

With all the other games of the eight-player double round robin tournament ending in draws, Anand emerged as the sole leader with one point after the conclusion of the first round and will next meet Armenian Levon Aronian.

The Indian ace was at his positional best, accurate in converting a slightly advantageous position in to a full point.

Radjabov opted for his tested Sicilian Sveshnikov and it was a long theoretical battle that ensued in the early part of the game.

Quite a few pieces changed hands as the players followed an earlier game between GM Peter Bobras and GM Yuri Yakovich and it was only on the 28th move that Radjabov deviated and showcased his new idea.

An undeterred Anand quickly launched his pieces for an attack against the black king and even though Radjabov managed to reach a queen and minor piece endgame, his problems could never really subside.

Anand's final salvo was thrown at the black king through a pawn sacrifice on the 55th move and six moves later the Indian registered a victory that will find its place in strategic masterpieces ever played.