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Anand, Kasparov lead after four rounds

In Hoogovens Wijk Aan Zee (Netherlands), Vishwanathan Anand and Garry Kasparov ontinued with their winning ways, and opened up a full point gap between them and the next group of four players at the international chess tournament now on at the venue.

In fourth round action, Kasparov -- playing his first regular tournament in almost a year -- scored a superb win over the strong Bulgarian grandmaster Vosclin Topalov while Anand defeated the young Uzebkistan GM Rustam Kasimdhzanov.

With these wins, the two players have 3.5 points from four rounds.

Kasparov showed his old brilliance and indicated that he is now in great form. Even he seemed pleased with the win, as he spoke to the reporters about his idea which he claimed he saw and developed during the game itself.

With Topalov seemingly in an equal position, Kasparov went in for sharp and attacking play. He made a rook sacrifice that took Topalov by surprise, and he accepted it on the 24th move. From there on Kasparov playing amazing chess outclassed Topalov. He also won the people prize for the day of 500 guilders.

Anand who won the best game prize in the first two rounds also a had a good game against Kasimdhzanov. He had an upperhand against an opponent who seemed overawed by Anand. After initial exchange of major pieces, in the endgame Kasimdhzanov's pawns were weaker and he lost on the 39th move.

Vassily Ivanchuk beat Ivan Sokolov in a good English Opening game and the Ukrainian player made a good exchange sacrifice that helped him secure the win. Loek Van Wely was also in great form, outplaying Alex Yermolinsky who for most part of the game looked equal and then suddenly with one minor error found himself staring at defeat in a Bogo Indian game, where the Russian-born American GM had black pieces.

Kramnik who has just one win in four rounds was held to a draw in 34 moves of a Queen's Pawn opening by the lowly rated Dmitri Reinderman one of the local players.

In two other draws, Peter Svidler who is also having a tough time in this meet played a draw against Jeroen Ppiket and Jan Timman rallied to hold Alexei Shirov in 40 moves.

UNI