We have a Spanish game, one of the most played openings at the top level. Anand has gained space on the queenside, while Grischuk will be looking to grab space in the center.
Grischuk gives up his bishop pair in order to gain the initiative in the center. The position is about to be blown open, and Anand losing a key defender of the middle of the board gives Grischuk a clear initiative.
When the dust settles, Grischuk is left with an extra pawn and has the clearly better position! Strong play by Grischuk, who is closing in on a winning advantage.
Anand has compensation in form of the bishop pair, but Grischuk will be looking to promptly remove one of Anand's bishops from the game.
While Grischuk managed to gain a clear advantage in the middlegame, he failed to keep his structure intact afterward. The game ends in a draw after Anand manages to win back Grischuk's extra material, giving neither player much to play for in terms of an advantage.
Great defense from Anand, who manages to prevent this game from slipping away and saves an important draw for his team. The first match ends in a draw, and it looks like things will be decided in round two!