Anand to meet Kramnik after the first rest day

Khanty Mansiysk (Russia): On a high after two big wins, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand will take on former challenger and in-form Vladimir Kramnik of Russia in the fourth round of the Candidates chess tournament here.

Starting with a fine victory over rating favourite Levon Aronian of Armenia, an easy draw as black against Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria and a win against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan has put Anand in front of the eight-player pack on 2.5 points from three games.

It's early days to reach any conclusions with 11 rounds still to come in the event that will decide the challenger for Magnus Carlsen for the next World championship match.

However, Anand has certainly proved that there is a lot left in him by showing tremendous motivation, skill and all-round display of competitive chess he has been known for over the years.

Sunday brings the first of the four rest days and it will give Anand a chance to get some rest before he takes on the Russian brigade in the next four rounds.

Starting with Kramnik, Anand will meet Dmitry Andreikin and Sergey Karjakin before the second rest day arrives. Given the form Anand is in, a victory in the next three rounds will help strengthen his position at the top.

Kramnik and Peter Svidler share the second spot with two points each and both have displayed high quality chess thus far. The two were part of a timeless masterpiece in the third round wherein Kramnik did a 'Houdini' to come out unscathed from what looked like a lost position.