L to R: Lázaro Bruzón, Veselin Topalov, Vishy Anand, Francisco Vallejo
The time control is game in 20 minutes with 10 seconds increment added on each move. The players will play a 4-game match. In case of a tie, players will play a pair of 5 minutes blitz games to determine the winner.
Anand, the number two player in the world, faced GM Bruzon from Cuba in the first knockout rapid match. The first four games were drawn. Bruzon drew first blood with a win in game 5 (1st tie break game) and he had to draw in game 6 to eliminate Anand. But Anand came back and won game 6 to prolong the match.
The players drew game 7 and Anand finally won game 8 to advance to the final.
Topalov will face Vallejo-Pons today to decide the matchup against Anand tomorrow in the final. Live coverage are available on PlayChess or ICC.
The players must be very tired after the games. It must be exciting to watch as well.
Anand should take a break from chess.