Viswanathan Anand [Images] was held to a draw by tournament leader Gata Kamsky of the United States in the eighth round of the Mtel Masters chess in Sofia on Friday.

The peace result did not help Anand's cause to catch up with Kamsky as the Russian-born American kept the Indian ace at a full-point distance after the truce was signed.

In other games of the day former Russian Champion Peter Svidler was also held to a draw by Etienne Bacrot of France [Images] while in the clash of World Champions, reigning world number one Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria came out triumph against former champion Ruslan Ponomariov of Ukraine in the last game of the day.

Kamsky's super cruise in the elite event continued with the draw against Anand.

With just two rounds remaining in the category-20 tournament Kamsky took his tally to an enviable 5.5 points and mostly two draws in the last two rounds should ensure a maiden victory after his comeback to competitive chess.

In next two rounds, lowest ranked here, Kamsky has to meet two tough customers in Svidler and Topalov but given his form, and a full-point lead to back him at this stage, the American is the top favourite for the title.

Topalov joined Anand on the second spot with 4.5 points after a fine victory over Ponomariov who slipped to the last spot yet again with 2.5 points in his bag.

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