Artwork by Justin Michael Jenkins
One more round and Gata Kamsky is getting closer to fulfilling one of the most spectacular comebacks in chess history.
Even though Gata tried very hard today, Anand held on for a draw. Therefore, the lead remains at 1 point with just 2 games to play.
Svidler and Bacrot also drew.
In the Topalov – Ponomariov game, for a while it looked hopeless for Topalov. All of a sudden, a mental collapse by Ponomariov combine with brilliant attack by Topalov gave him a winning position and pull into a tie for second with Anand.
Gata Kamsky has proved once again that opening is NOT everything in chess. His middle and endgame techniques is simply superior to his opponents, even being out of chess for so long.
I know Anand and Topalov well but I have to root for Gata though! 2 games to go from one of the most spectacular comebacks in history! Good luck Gata!
After 8 rounds of 10, the standings are:
1 5.5 GM Kamsky (USA, 2671) +24.6 Gata’s Interview
2-3 4.5 GM Anand (India, 2803) -3.0, GM Topalov (Bulgaria, 2804) -1.4
4.0 GM Svidler (Russia, 2743) +0.8
5 3.0 GM Bacrot (France, 2708) -6.0
6 2.5 GM Ponomariov (Ukraine, 2738) -14.2
I think the horrid play of Ponomariov shows just how much the FIDE knockout championship is worth, and why Kramnik-Topalov HAS to happen.
Ponomariov did indeed blunder away the advantage, but Topalov has been doing this against all the top players for the last couple of years. He did it to Kamsky just a few days ago.
Pono is a top-10 player, and he didn’t get there by accident. He beat Svidler only yesterday. Topalov is in a whole other league. At the moment, Anand is the only player who’s nearly comparable, pending what Kramnik may do.
I root for Topalov
Gata Kamsky RULES!!!!!
Long Live Brooklyn!
In two more rounds history will be made the likes we have not seen in the chess world. What a comeback!
How annoyed must the other players be that even a draw with Kamsky and they lose a lot of rating points?
The players realize that the rating system is highly conservative, and may not reflect current abilities. I think their focus is on why they lost or drew, not on how many rating points they’re going to gain or lose. If they’re playing well, rating will take care of itself.