Current standings going into the Linares phase of the event:
1-2. Anand, Carlsen 4.5 (+2)
3. Ivanchuk 4.0 (+1)
4-5. Svidler, Aronian 3.5 (0)
6-7. Leko, Topalov 3.0 (-1)
8. Morozevich 2.0 (-3)
Will the Linares phase favor Anand and Topalov since they both live in Spain and are very familiar with the surroundings or will that have no effect at all?
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
I find the the whole concept of one tournament- two continents, quite challenging, irritating. Sounds more like two tournaments- one prize. its due to economy of course (or?), but couldnt they find a place within the same continent so we dont have a 5-day rest in between?
Anyway- I cant see that there are any ‘home advantage’ in chess. That happens in sports where motivation, testosteron and cheerleaders are connected.
Anand will win in the end and Carlsen will draw into his 2700s. Topalov without a gesticulating Danailov wont even reach 50%.
don’t rule out chuky, he loves linares and has played well there in the past.
Susan:
Check this website http://www.chessvibes.com/ it’s cool and you can enjoy videos, games with a very functional program and good ideas. Probably you already know about it but just in case.
Greetings
I find it very disturbing with chessvibes.com. Susan has posted many items about them and they don’t have the courtesy to link her professional website or her #1 chess blog. What’s up with that?
I agree. It’s unprofessional of the chessvibes people. eojdnslg
Hard to believe, probably, but I simply managed to forget adding Susan all the time. Just did.
To answer Susan’s query: I expect both Topalov and Anand to excel in Spain and Topalov will give a run for first place!
On another topic, I think Topalov vs Morozevich was best game in first half of tournament. I am still analyzing that game! I would love to see a match between these two players, you have bad blood, exciting dynamic chess styles, a match to enjoy for us chess fans.
Thanks Peter:
I’m the one who wrote couple of articles up recomending your website to Susan whom already knew about your site (I didn’t knew she knew) Heck! I’m playing w/words… lol. Just some minutes ago checked your website and yes! your response was almost immediate at linking Susan in your page. I’ll talk good ’bout your work as Susan just did in one of his most recent blogs.
Yeah, if it wasn’t for all the blunders and miscalculations, Topalov-Morozevich was the best game in the tournament so far…
It is funny, listening to that first-poster anonymous:
Linares ain’t there for you to enjoy, I’m afraid.
Linares people, who can afford go watch the games and players really enjoy it 😉
And, secondly, we spanish love Ivanchuk (who has won here thrice) and would like to see him win again.
Moreover, home advantage was evident in the Elista match (would have Fischer agreed to play the ’72 match in Moscow?????)
We spanish people love Linares, and I think the rest is good for players.
They are able to play at his full strength during a longer period time.
regards from spain!!!!
“Moreover, home advantage was evident in the Elista match (would have Fischer agreed to play the ’72 match in Moscow?????)”
Wake up and smell the coffee. Topalov had home field advantage in that match, but still couldn’t win. You don’t get much more advantage than the FIDE Champion defending at FIDE Headquarters.
The original match, for more money, which Topalov was afraid to play, would have been at a neutral site.