Gelfand was not one of the favorites for the World Chess Championship 2007 , but he surprised most observers by finishing joint second with reigning World Champion Vladimir Kramnik ( third after tie breaks ) ; the World Championship was won by Viswanathan Anand .
He qualified for the tournament for the World Chess Championship 2007 , and surprised most observers by finishing joint second with reigning world champion Vladimir Kramnik ( third after tie breaks ) .