Rediff

Mexico City, Sep 26: Barring a major catastrophe, Viswanathan Anand is certain to be crowned World champion on Sunday in Mexico.

The 36-year-old Indian Grandmaster, who is already the world's highest rated player, notched his fourth victory in the World Chess Championship with a flourish in the end game, beating Alexander Morozevich in the 11th round of the tournament.

With only three rounds to go, Anand has 7.5 points and is 1.5 points clear of the field. Considering his current form and mood, it is unlikely that will disturb his hold on the top spot.

 Anand's previous victories were over Lev Aronian, Peter Svidler and Alexander Grischuk. This means he has now beaten four of his seven rivals.

Second behind him at six points is Boris Gelfand, who drew with Peter Svidler in 11th round in just 22 moves of an English counter.

Vladimir Kramnik, seen as Anand's main rival in the tournament, seems to have given up after agreeing to a 13-move draw in Petroff defence against Alexander Grischuk.

Peter Leko and Lev Aronian drew in 56 moves of a Queen's Indian.

Anand finally found himself in a Sicilian game in 11th round. The talented but unpredictable Morozevich is one of the players who could stun Anand, but on current form, Anand was unstoppable.

Into 20 moves, most of it generally straight from theory, the game was equal. It was crucial for Anand to get his Knight into active play for advantage. Slight movement in that direction and after about eight or ten moves, Anand suddenly had some serious advantage.

The black queenside pawns were weak and Anand's knight was heading into centre to control things. Once Anand's queen joined the knight and rook in the attack on the weak pawns, the Indian was on the ascendant.

Anand retained the pressure and then Morozevich made a mistake soon after first time control. Anand not to one to throw away the chance marched ahead soon white was looking menacing with Moro's bishop unable to stop his rival's pawns.

Soon the NIIT Mind Champion Anand completed a beautiful game in style and extended his lead to 1.5 points in such a strong field.

Pairings for Round 12 : Aronian v Gelfand; Kramnik v Leko; Morozevich v Grischuk; Svidler v Anand

Results of Round 11: Anand beat Morozevich; Gelfand drew with Svidler; Leko drew with Aronian; Grischuk drew with Kramnik

Standings after Round 11: 1. Anand 7.5; 2. Gelfand 6.0 ; 3. Kramnik, Leko and Aronian 5.5; 6. Grischuk 5.0; 7. Svidler and Morozevich 4.5