Anand’s play doen’s resemble that of arguably World’s strongest player. Today he was close to taste bitter as his Chinese rival missed a win by a hair’s breadth. Anand played badly and had to trade his Queen for a Rook and a Bishop. Bu could well win yet another pawn with 32… Qh4! attacking Rf2 and pg5. 33. Re2 would follow 33… Qg5+ 34. Kb1 Qf6 35. Rb2 (only way to prevent mate at a1) f4 and White’s position is dead lost. Instead he chose 32… f4? 33. Bxd6 Bd4 34. Rfd2 Be3 35. Nxe3 fxe3 = The game went on for a perpetual check, thus 1/2-1/2
How much is a captain useful on the Olympiad, during the games, I mean?
Anand (IND, 2803) – Bu (CHN, 2640)
Anand’s play doen’s resemble that of arguably World’s strongest player. Today he was close to taste bitter as his Chinese rival missed a win by a hair’s breadth. Anand played badly and had to trade his Queen for a Rook and a Bishop. Bu could well win yet another pawn with 32… Qh4! attacking Rf2 and pg5. 33. Re2 would follow 33… Qg5+ 34. Kb1 Qf6 35. Rb2 (only way to prevent mate at a1) f4 and White’s position is dead lost. Instead he chose 32… f4? 33. Bxd6 Bd4 34. Rfd2 Be3 35. Nxe3 fxe3 = The game went on for a perpetual check, thus 1/2-1/2
You know, I’m surprised that Topalov isn’t on Bulgaria’s national team. I wonder why this is so.