Anand’s victory goes in vain as India lose to Russia

Malayala Manorama, India
25 Oct. 2004

Mallorca, Spain: Viswanathan Anand gave India an early lead but his
effort went in vain as India suffered a 1.5-2.5 defeat against top
seeds and defending champions Russia in the ninth round of the 36th
Chess Olympiad here at the Gran Casino.

Leading from the front, Anand crashed through the defences of
Grandmaster Alexander Morozevich while Krishnan Sasikiran also did
well on the second board in getting an easy draw as black against
Russian champion Peter Svidler. But the remaining two boards saw the
Indian downfall as Surya Shekhar Ganguly was outdone from a complicated
position by Vadim Zvjaginsev while Harikrishna missed out on a simple
winnning manoeuvre against Alexey Dreev before he was eventually tamed.

In hindsight, it could have been 3-1 in India’s favour but in the end
the six-time winners proved superior. Leaders Ukraine, who settled for
a 2-2 draw with fourth seeds Armenians on the top table, maintained
a 2.5 advantage over Russia (24.5).

With just five more rounds remaining, USA was the biggest gainer of
the day as they moved to sole third spot on 24 points after drubbing
Spain ‘A’ 3.5-0.5.

Armenia and third seed Israel were in joint fourth spot on 23 points
while the Indians shared the sixth spot on 22.5 along with Switzerland,
Bulgaria, France, Slovenia, Azerbaijan and Cuba. Poland and Moldova
were next in line on 22 points each.