Meanwhile, Michael Adams once again moved into sole lead, pouring further misery onto Judit Polgar, while Miguel Illescas, the lowest rated player in the event, stunned Anatoly Karpov for one of the best wins of his career.

The fourth draw for Anand, who is still without a victory in the tournament, which now has three rounds left, brought his tally to two points.

With Polgar crashing to her fourth defeat in six rounds, the Hungarian took possession of the last place as Anand and Peter Svidler moved by one spot to be joint eighth from among the 10 players.

Adams, who won here in 1995, logged his third win. He won comfortably in 45 moves with black pieces following the Marshall attack.

Polgar, who began with a flourish with a first round win against Anand, was in trouble for a good part and lost her way incomplications.

Anand, who has a plus score against Topalov, played the Ruy Lopez. The game was equal all the way after black, Anand, neutralised early. With no headway likely, he offered a draw after 25 moves and Topalov readily accepted.

Illescas was engaged in a Caro Kann defence with black against Fide world champion Karpov. The Spaniard worked out good combinations and secured a very good win.

With 3.5 points from six rounds, Illescas is joint third along with Gelfand and Topalov. The score should ensure he gains some points from this tournament.

Gelfand and Kramnik drew in 30 moves while Korchnoi and Svidler split the point after 24 moves in the other games.