Defending champion Viswanathan Anand of India scored the first victory in his title match against Russian Vladimir Kramnik with a third game that saw both players take off the gloves and go at each other with gusto. After a dull draw in game one and a complex but civilized draw in game two, the two engaged in play they described as “complicated,” but that description hardly catches the flavor of Friday's game. Anand, playing with Black, opted for the super-sharp Meran Variation of the Semi-Slav Defense, which Kramnik avoided in game one. Anand's 14th move, a bishop to b7, was a novelty at this level of play. Afterward, Kramnik said, “I have my doubts about it but practically it is quite interesting.” Kramnik had castled kingside but Anand had the half-open g-file and a bishop on b7 to attack while his own king was stuck in the center. Kramnik also had connected passed pawns on the queenside, which would be decisive in most end games. Computer analysis suggested that White had a clear advantage but the difficulties facing a flesh-and-blood player were considerable. Kramnik told reporters afterward, “It's a mess but I wasn't worse.” Anand will have White in game four on Saturday. - AP __
