With only four more rounds to go, the Indian Grandmaster has just 1.5 point from five rounds and is yet to register a win.

The second of the three rest days today should provide Anand with the kind of a rest he needs. But more than anything else, he probably must rest from tournament for a while. He has played four major events, including this and the Melody Amber last month. Surely a hectic schedule, though it may be pointed out Russian GM Vladimir Kramnik has also figured in each of the four.

Anand will realise that he needs to conserve if only because of his commitments later on in the year, which also has the World Championships in Las Vegas, US.

In the only match to be played on the restday, Boris Gelfand (Belarus) beat veteran Viktor Korchnoi (Switzerland). The game was scheduled for the first round, but could not take place as Gelfand took time to reach the venue after being chosen as the replacement for young Alexander Morozevich who fell ill on the morning of the first round.

Gelfand, who had white in Queen's Gambit, accepted from Korchnoi, now has three points, the same Anatoly Karpov and Veselin Topalov (Bulgaria).

Two former champions Kramnik and Michael Adams lead the field.

Standings after five rounds: 3.5 points: Adams and Kramnik; 3: Karpov, Gelfand and Topalov; 2.5: Illescas, 2: Korchnoi; 1.5: Svidler, Anand and Polgar.