Anand survives Morozevich scare, takes sole lead at Morelia

Morelia, Mexico, Feb 22 (UNI) Viswanathan Anand warded off stiff resistance from Russian GM Alexander Morozevich for his second successive win, propelling him to sole lead after the fourth round of the Morelia/Linares Super GM tournament here.

Anand had a torrid time against the Russian, who held out well against the Indian's relentless attack but lost track just before the first time control.

The Russian GM lost an important pawn and eventually the game after 59 moves to give Anand his second successive win.

The Indian now has three points and is half a point clear of second placed Norwegian GM Magnus Carlsen, who scored a fighting 60-move black win against Ukrainian Vassily Ivanchuk.

Anand will next take on Armenian Levon Aronian, who split points with Hungarian Peter Leko, in the fifth round of the event.

In other matches, Bulgarian GM Veselin Topalov played out a draw with Russian Peter Svidler.

Results Rd 4: Peter Leko drew with Levon Aronian Viswanathan Anand beat Alexander Morozevich Magnus Carlsen beat Vassily Ivanchuk Veselin Topalov drew with Peter Svidler Pairings Rd 5: Peter Svidler vs Peter Leko Magnus Carlsen vs Veselin Topalov Alex. Morozevich vs Vassily Ivanchuk Levon Aronian vs Viswanathan Anand Standings after Round 4: Viswanathan Anand 3.0 Magnus Carlsen 2.5 Peter Svidler 2.0 Levon Aronian 2.0 Vassily Ivanchuk 2.0 Peter leko 2.0 Veselin Topalov 1.5 Alex Morozevich 1.0 UNI