Berbatov and Topalov in sensational blitz match before the final of M-Tel Masters
(Sofia, 22 May, 2009) Kiprian Berbatov and Veselin Topalov played sensational blitz match before the final of M-Tel Masters. One of the brightest young chess talents of Bulgaria and the leader in the world ranking played with a short time control after the end of the eighth round of M-Tel Masters.
The match started spontaneously around 20:00 local time on 21 May. The winner of the chain M-Tel Masters Junior Kiprian Berbatov challenged the 19th World Champion. This happened after the end of his game against Leinier Dominguez from the eighth round of the Sofia super tournament and Topalov accepted the invitation. The Bulgarian blitz derby was played in the glass cage where M-Tel Masters is taking place and immediately gathered many spectators in front of the National Theatre. The match ended 1,5:0,5 for Topalov after the second game.
Today Veselin Topalov will play with white against the Ukranian GM Vassily Ivanchuk in the ninth round of M-Tel Masters 2009. The other two pairs in the round are Leinier Dominguez – Alexei Shirov and Magnus Carlsen – Yue Wang.
How good is this kid?
http://ratings.fide.com/card.phtml?event=2910446 ELO 4th in the world in his age group
http://ratings.fide.com/card.phtml?event=2910446 elo 4th in the world in his age group
around 2400 ELO. topalov, ofcourse, could have beaten him 2-0 but allowed a draw in one of the games.
he is some kind of cousin of Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester Utd !