Kasparov Extends Lead Over Anand in Clutch Chess Legends

Russian chess legend Garry Kasparov stretched his lead over Indian grandmaster Viswanathan Anand in the Clutch Chess Legends tournament here, taking a commanding position with two wins and two draws on the penultimate day.

Anand, who had opportunities to turn the tide, faltered in critical moments. In a dramatic first game, he ran out of time while in a near-winning position, allowing Kasparov a lucky victory. Observers noted that Anand “forgot” to keep track of his clock, a rare lapse for the former world champion.

During the day’s blitz games, Kasparov again won the first game, extending his overall lead to 8.5-3.5 as the final day approaches. The tournament features a USD 144,000 prize pool, adding high stakes to the intense rivalry.

With the decisive day ahead, Kasparov holds a strong advantage, while Anand must deliver near-flawless play to attempt a comeback in this much-anticipated showdown between two chess icons.