The Indian, who was leading the series 1.5-0.5 after winning the first game and drawing the second with the Russian at Bastia, beat Karpov in both the remaining games to ensure a spectacular victory.

It was a Queen's gambit declined by Karpov in the first game and Anand got an opening advantage after Karpov did not place his queen properly.

Karpov's position became passive and he was saddled with the task of just defending with little counterplay to the end of the match that lasted 30 moves.

"His Queen on 'c5' was in trouble as I had ways to threaten it. After (gaining the advantage) white is better and pressing, he slowly ran out of time trying to defend," Anand said after the first game.