Anand, Xu retain titles

Confirming his supremacy in the world chess arena, Viswanathan Anand successfully defended his crown when he defeated Rustam Kasimdzhanov of Uzbeksitan 1.5-0.5 in the final of the second World Cup chess tournament in Hyderabad on Sunday.

The women's section saw a similar result with defending champion Xu Yuhua of China defeating Antoneta Stafenova of Bulgaria by the same margin to retain her title.

Anand trounced Rustam in a tactical game packed with skill in 29 moves to lift the coveted cup and a cash prize of 46,000 dollars.

In a replay of previous edition, Xu Yuhua brushed aside the spirited challenge of Antoneta in 31 moves to lift the glittering trophy and a purse of 16,000 dollars.

Earlier reports
Day 10: Anand, Xu Yuhua draw first round games
Day 9: Anand beats Dreev to enter final
Day 8: Anand, Humpy draw first semi-final games
Day 7: Anand in semis | Humpy wins tie-break
Day 6: Humpy scores; Anand settles for a draw
Day 5: Anand squeezes into last eight
Day 4: Anand, Humpy win easily
Day 3: Anand back in contention
Day 2: Sasikiran shocks Anand
Day 1: Meenakshi beats world champ; Anand splits point