Carlsen Joins The Leaders In London

Magnus Carlsen defeated David Howell in round five to join Vishy Anand and Luke McShane at the top of the leaderboard.

Despite having the black pieces Carlsen dictated the pace during the game and eventually managed to provoke an error from his plucky opponent.

In the crucial match between Anand and McShane the English player proved a worthy adversary for the world champion, playing accurately to ensure the Indian's slight advantage came to naught.

Kramnik's Berlin Wall held fast against Adams' efforts to breach its fortifications, leaving Nakamura to provide the only other decisive game of the day as Short's disastrous tournament continued.

The standings after round five:

Howell couldn't stop Carlsen from achieving his third win

Another bad day at the office for Short

Tomorrow (Monday) is a rest day, so round six is on Tuesday and features Kramnik v Carlsen, Short v Howell, McShane v Nakamura, and Adams v Anand.

Photos courtesy of Ray Morris-Hill.