Anand, Carlsen play out a draw in opening day of Global Chess League

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen played out a draw in the top duel of the opening day as the second edition of the Global Chess League began with players from around the world squaring off here on Thursday.

The game between the two heavyweights from India and Norway ended in a draw, with Carlsen managing to steady the ship after a tough middle game.

In the first two matches of the day, American Gambits and Alpine SG Pipers emerged as victors, setting the pace for the competition.

The packed venue at Friends House erupted in applause as players entered the playing hall, dressed in team jerseys in an atmosphere more akin to a football match than a chess tournament.

The opening match of the season was played between the American Gambits and season one runners up Mumba Masters.

According to league regulations, each match starts with a coin toss to decide the colours. For this round, the American Gambits played with the white pieces.

As this is a round-ro