Round 6 (March 5)
Shirov-Kasparov 1/2-1/2
Kramnik-Khalifman 1/2-1/2
Anand-Leko 1/2-1/2

Shirov vs Kasparov

Shirov was clearly out for revenge after his embarrassing blunder in their round 1 encounter, but despite obtaining a promising attacking position, the Spaniard was unable to lift the curse which seems to dictate that he'll never win a game of chess against the World no 1. Shirov's had 18 cracks at it now, and all he's been able to scrape together is 9 draws.

Kramnik vs Khalifman

Khalifman surprised everybody, Kramnik included, by playing the Tartakower variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, which just happens to be one of Kramnik's main defences against 1.d4! Kramnik seemed to have a very comfortable edge when Khalifman chose to pitch a pawn to simplify into a double rook ending. Once again the FIDE Champ had to do a lot of suffering, but I'm guessing he felt pretty good when Kramnik finally abandoned his winning attempt.

Anand vs Leko

Anand was in no mood to discuss the Petroff on this occasion, so instead he decided to take on Leko's Grünfeld by playing 1.d4. In the ensuing struggle it was clear that Leko was following his home preparation while Anand was forced to make it up as he went along. The game ended in a tactical flurry with both sides taking shots at the enemy's king.

View Anand-Leko