Anand draws with Kramnik in London Classic

London: Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand played out an easy draw as black against Vladimir Kramnik of Russia in the first round of the London Chess Classic here on Thursday. After finishing joint third in the rapid open tournament, Anand showed deep preparation in the first classical game here and this was a good beginning for the Indian ace as he was not bothered at all with the black pieces at London’s Olympia Conference Centre. However Anand was still in his preparation at this point as Kramnik could do no better than reach a level rook. (PTI)