Anand in semis of World championship

Vishwanathan Anand had good reason to celebrate his 31st birthday on Monday as he entered the semi-finals of the FIDE World chess championship after defeating World champion Alexander Khalifman of Russia 3.5-2.5 via the tie-breaker.

Anand had drawn both the quarter-final games against the World champion and was under pressure in Monday's tie-breakers. The first two tie-breakers ended in draw. Anand won the third game in 41 moves while the fourth was drawn.

In the other matches, Michael Adams of England defeated Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria 1.5-0.5; Alexander Grischuk of Russia defeated Vladislav Tkachiev of France 2.5-1.5 in the tie-breaker and Alexei Shirov of Spain defeated Evgeny Bareev of Russia 2.5-1.5 in tie-breaker.

Anand struck a masterblow in the rapid game to dump Khalifman. The world No.2, bidding to win the prestigious crown, demolished the cool Russian in the first game of the 15-minute blitz matches and then drew the second to clinch a1.5-0.5 verdict.

Chess enthusiasts and Indian fans were on the tenterhooks as Anand and Khalifman started rapid games on Monday after the two had shared equal points in the two-game, six-hour classical matches of their quarter-final during on Saturday and Sunday.

In the 25-minute time control rapid games, both drew their games, deciding not to take any risks.

In the first tie-break game, Anand, with black pieces, played Nimzo Indian Reubeinstein variation against Khalifman's Queen Pawn opening and the Russian took a slight edge in the opening.

Anand's careful play forced Khalifman to sign the peace treaty on the 22nd move.

The second game was a long Ruy Lopez battle having roughly equal chances for both, but the two decided to play safe and draw was agreed on the 59th move.

Anand was in no mood to extend the battle and he went for the kill right from the start in the 15-minute blitz. He shook Khalifman's foundation with a comprehensive win and a draw later gave him enough reason to celebrate his birthday in style.