Four players Vladimir Kramnik (Russia), Vassily Ivanchuk (Ukraine), Michael Adams (England) and teenager Peter Leko (Hungary) are sharing the lead with two points each.

Anand, playing for the first time without accompanied by either his trainer Ubilava or wife Aruna, is yet to score a win.

Anand surprised Svidler by employing Kramnik's latest adoption the Russian defence which is known for its solid nature. The Russian went for a risky pawn grab on 11th move. Anand's bishops were menacingly poised to pierce the white castle.

However, Svidler returned the pawn in time on 20th move and obtained a dangerous initiative. Svidler's rooks entered Anand's position and the spectators expected a quick capitulation from the Indian.

Anand held on grimly by defending with his back to thewall. Svidler added fuel to the raging attack by sacrificing a piece on 23rd move. Anand immediately gave back the piece and equalised with precise defence when Svidler had no alternative but to agree for a draw on 30th move.

Kasparov's latest challenger Alexy Shirov (0.5) of Spain is lying in an humiliating last place after biting dust against Hungarian wonderboy Peter Leko (2). Leko handled the Grunfeld defence like a wizard and became the first player to score from the black pieces in this tournament.

Another Hungarian prodigy Zoltan Almasi (1) was once again involved in a decisive battle in Spanish opening losing to English GM Michael Adams (2) in 43 moves. After losing to Svidler in the first roudn in spanish opening, Almasi had used the same weapon to down veteran Alexander Belyavsky in the second round.

The games between Yusupov-Ivanchuk and Belyavsky-kramnik were drawn after bitter fights.

Results (3rd round): Adams (Eng) 2 bt Almasi (Hun) 1; Yusupov (Ger) 1.5 drew with Ivanchuk (Ukr)2; Svidler (Rus) 1.5 drew with Anand (Ind) 1.5; Belgavsky (Slo) 1 drew with Kramnik (Rus) 2; Shirov (Spain) 0.5 lost to Leko (Hun) 2.