The Briton, who emerged sole leader with 5.5 points after drawing his ninth round game against Anatoly Karpov played ahead of the eighth round clash against Kramnik, will bag the title if he returns triumphant.

Kramnik, who like the rest enjoyed a rest day yesterday, has logged 4.5 points from seven rounds. After meeting Adams tonight, he plays Vaselin Topalov in the last round.

India's Vishwanathan Anand, who has had a poor run and is still looking for his first victory here, has garnered just 2.5 points and has only two more rounds to go. Anand, playing white, takes on Miguel Illescas in the eighth round while Boris Gelfand will be his final-round opponent.

The game between Karpov and Adams was queen's Indian defence and it ended in a draw when Karpov offered a truce after 47 moves.

Karpov is scheduled to go to Paris onSunday and hence the game was advanced. Adams will also be leaving early to take part in the German League Championships.

Karpov has four points from eight rounds.

Points position: M Adams (Eng) 5.5 points/8 rounds; V Kramnik (Rus) 4.5/7; V Topalov (Rus) 4/7; B Gelfand (Blr) 4/7; A Karpov (Rus) 4/8; M Illescas (Esp) 4/7; V Korchnoi 3/7; P Svidler (Rus) 2.7/7; V Anand (Ind) 2.5/7, J Polgar (Hun) 2/7.