Kamksy, who had won the second game, drew the third and fourth to win one of the most sought-after titles in the game.

Apart from the winner’s cheque of USD 1,20,000, the American also earned the right to a match against Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria as part of the next world championship cycle.

Kamsky remained undefeated throughout the World Cup. The Russian born was stretched to the tie-breaker only once in round three against Russian Peter Svidler. It has been one of the most emphatic performances ever by a world cup winner as Kamsky defeated Boris Avrukh of Israel in round 1 by 1.5-0.5, disposed off Kiril Georgiev of Bulgaria in the second round. Against Shirov in the fourth game Kamsky was quite at ease after going for the Rossolimo variation in the Sicilian defense with his white pieces.