Adams – Topalov
Adams seemed to be content not to finish in last place by drawing his games. Topalov is still a man on a mission. But there are only 4 games left. Would Topalov be willing to take crazy risks? I don’t think so. Unless Topalov can find something to play for in the game, I expect it to be a draw.
This game will end in a draw with minimal risk.
Anand – Kasimdzhanov
Anand will have to go for the win if he wants to catch Svidler. Kasim just came off a nice win against my sister. He would be content to draw as Black against Anand. Anand will not be happy to draw this game. Therefore, I expect Anand to try hard to win.
I give Anand a big edge.
J. Polgar – Leko
Leko has been playing way below par. So has Judit. This has to be one of the worst tournaments in her career. The difference is Judit is still fighting hard in every game. I expect Judit to once again go all out for it. She does not want to finish in the cellar.
I give Judit a small edge, at least for fighting effort.
Svidler – Morozevich
Svidler is enjoying his second place position with a +2. Morozevich just escaped a loss against Topalov so he is still +1. I expect Svidler to be content with a draw. I expect Morozevich to fight. However, I don’t think much will happen.
I expect some fight but the game will end with a draw.
Best of luck to Judit against Leko. But I think you’re right…her fighting spirit should give her an edge against a moribund Peter Leko.
Thanks for the report and previews. They are very good!
I agree with your prediction. Your blog is the best!
Misha
yes I think Judit needs to vary her openings more so the other players can not prepare so easily.
I too picked Judit to do very well and am personally disappointed. but I will remain a Polgar Fan.
I forget my user name and password.
I think you give Judit way too much credit.
If you look at Judit’s record against Kasparov, Kramnik, Anand, Leko and Morozevich in classical chess — she has won very very few games, and almost none since 1999. And she has lost a ton of games to the first three names on that list.
She is just not good enough in this league I am sorry to say.
Nevertheless, she is an amazing lady who has probably changed the opinion of many many men who had similar opinions to president Summers of Harvard regarding the inferior intelligence of women in the sciences and math relative to men:-)
Well, Judit’s record against Kasparov and Kramnik is dismal indeed. But it’s not an accident, that she stayed in the top 10 for so long. In 2003, for example, her Elo performance was the third best, just behind Anand and Kasparov, way ahead of Topalov.
And what a solid player she had become: In 2002 and 2003 combined she only lost five games (classical time control). It’s almost funny, that she lost six games already in San Luis. I guess, she is just off form – for whatever reasons.
Best regards,
Chris
the argentina photo is good