Chess (March): Candidates' Tournament begins in London on March 15

[Jack Rabbit]

18. Update (Sunday, March 24): Magnus and Aronian draw, Kramnik wins

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Tournament co-leaders Magnus Carlsen and Levon Aronian fought each other to a 41-move draw while former world champion Vladimir Kramnik moved into sole possession of thrid place when he defeated reigning World Cup champion Peter Svidler in 40 moves today in the eighth round of the Candidates' Tournament in London.

Vladimir Borisovich's win was his first of the tournament, coming after seven consecutive draws. He trails the two co-leaders by one point.

In the other games today, Alexander Grischuk one his first game in London when Vassily Ivanchuk's flag fell on the 39th move. It was the third game Vassily Mikhailovich has lost on time, accounting for all three of his losses. Aleaxander Igorovich noted in the press conference following the game that it was his victory in a candidates' event in six years. Boris Gelfand, the winner of the last candidates' event in 2011, won his first game against three losses when he took down Teimour Radjabov in 32 moves.

Tomorrow, Magnus will play Black against Vladimir Borisovich, P-n Aronian will have Black against Boris Abramovich, Vassily Mikhailovich has White against Cenab Radjabov and Peter Veniaminovich will pay White against Alexander Igorovich. The action will be broadcast live on the official tournament website beginnng at 2 pm London time (7 am PDT).

The tournament is scheduled to conclude after fourteen rounds on Monday, April 1, but the following day is set aside for any necessary rapid and blitz playoffs. The winner of the tournament will challenge reigning world champion Viswanathan Anand for the title in a match tentatively scheduled for November.