During the whole match the team Kramnik took moderate wait-and-see attitude. They avoided conflict as much as possible, and only reacted to attacks from the other side.

However, as the match finish approached, the Russian initiated a counterattack. A few hours before the start of the Game 11, Carsten Hensel issued an open letter, clarifying Kramnik’s position about FIDE decision regarding the Game 5. After the game Vladimir said that the goal of this letter was to confirm his position in anticipation of future legal actions, and ruled out a supposition that this was an attempt to exert psychological pressure on the opponent. However, it looked exactly so from the outside…

The Game 11 was expected as Topalov’s last real attempt to win the match in the regulation time – the Bulgarian has Black in the Game 12. However, the struggle did not follow his plan. Kramnik’s reaction to today’s innovation of the Bulgarian was as effective as Topalov’s fruitful opening idea in the Game 9. Veselin had an advantage, but it was not exactly to his liking – there was no direct attack, and he was not prepared to collect the crumbs of Vladimir’s positional concessions. Having no clear target, he lost the sense of danger, although this time the consequences were not as catastrophic as at the start of the match. Kramnik did not find ways to win.

The draw favors Kramnik? Considering match strategy – yes, certainly. Vladimir has White on the last day with a whole day of preparation as well as positive experience of decisive battles – remember Brissago? However, Topalov looked much more relaxed at the press conference, and signed so many posters as if he already won the match…

Source: Official website
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Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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