Kasparov lifts title

By Arvind Aaron

WIJK AAN ZEE, JAN. 31. Garry Kasparov overcame Judit Polgar of Hungary in a see-saw battle in the final round to win the Corus Chess tournament here at De Moriaan on Sunday.

World No. 2 Viswanathan Anand won a positional game against Smbat Lputian of Armenia in a marathon battle to figure in a tie for the second place. Anand's victory, his third in the tournament pushed to into a tie for the second to fourth places along with Vladimir Kramnik of Russia and Peter Leko of Hungary.

Kasparov performed at 2861 Elo rating, 10 above his start rating of 2851. Anand performed at 2779, also 10 above his start rating of 2769. Anand's above expected performance came after a nice victory. In addition, Anand was undefeated in his second straight tournament.

Kasparov totalled 9.5 points and finished one and a half points ahead of his nearest rivals. He won six games and drew seven while remaining undefeated. In the closing ceremony to be held later this evening he will receive 20,000 guilders.

The day had little surprises but was yet absorbing and saw four decisive games. A real high number for a final round in a category 18 event. All was not well for Kasparov at the board as he went for a victory with the white pieces just as he has been on a positive spirit all through. He only required a draw to assure himself of clear first place. For Judit who had made a single draw in a rapid game at Geneva 1996 and suffered five defeats, this was the closest she got to a victory over Kasparov.

Morozevich finished fifth with a dazzling victory over Nikolic which could qualify as the best game in the entire event.

The results (13th round): V. Anand (Ind) bt S. Lputian (Arm), A. Morozevich (Rus) bt P. Nikolic (Bih), M. Adams (Eng) drew with P. Leko (Hun), G. Kasparov (Rus) bt J. Polgar (Hun), L. Van Wely (Ned) drew with V. Kramnik (Rus), N. Short (Eng) drew with J. Timman (Ned), V. Korchnoi (Swz) bt J. Piket (Ned).

The final placings: 1: G. Kasparov 9.5/13, 2-4: V. Anand, V. Kramnik, P. Leko 8 each, 5: A. Morozevich 7.5, 6: M. Adams 7, 7- 8: J. Piket, J. Timman 6.5 each, 9: P. Nikolic 6, 10: N. Short 5.5, 11-12: Judit Polgar, V. Korchnoi 5 each, 13: S. Lputian 4.5, 14: L. Van Wely 4.

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