Viswanathan Anand became only the second player in the modern era - after Garry Kasparov in 2000 - to have relinquished the World title without winning a game in the match. 

 

But until his last of the 65 moves in the 10th game on Friday, he kept trying for a win with black pieces. And when his position became inferior, he didn't offer a draw. 

 

He was not fighting for the crown. For, three wins in a row was going to be difficult. He was fighting for honour. 

 

If the match was played in any European city, he would have perhaps not gone against his nature of playing on without clear-cut promise. Playing in your own backyard has its advantages. But it comes with a baggage - a sense of obligation towards the fans. In trying to fulfill that, he risked losing 0-4. 

 

He fought like a warrior playing Sicilian Rossolimo. And the players were forced to split a point as there were only kings and Anand's knight left on the board. Insufficient material to win for either player. 

 

Anand's domination of world chess, which started with the 2000 Fide knockout title in Tehran, ended on a poignant note. Carlsen won the match 6.5-3.5, with two rounds to spare. And with that top prize of $1.53 million. Anand will get $1.02 million. 

 

On Friday's five-hour battle, garnished with many inaccuracies and no offer of draw, Carlsen said: "I was just trying to play in the opening. I was pretty happy to have got solid positions as there was no weaknesses. As the game went on, he started to drift a bit. I thought I should try and win it as long as there is no risk. The variations got a complicated and I decided to shut down and force a draw. It was a nice fight; and a worthy end to the match."

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