Anand stumbles at first hurdle in Melody Amber tourney

Monaco, Mar 18 (UNI) Viswanathan Anand began his quest for a sixth title at the Melody Amber Blindfold and Rapid chess tournament ominously, bowing to an unassuming Alexander Morozevich of Russia in the blindfold game.

The Indian Grandmaster, who will officially become World No one in terms of ratings for the first time in his career on April 1, then drew his rapid game to salvage half a point off the maximum two on offer on the day.

Levon Aronian and Vassily Ivanchuk opened with a perfect win record on the opening day winning both the blindfold and rapid games.

Morozevich won the blindfold game against Anand, who was playing with black pieces in 48 moves of Barcza system.

Anand, who had won the prestigious Linares chess championship last week, did manage a draw with white pieces with a 36-move truce with Moro in French MacCutcheon.

UNI