Topalov – Leko
This is an interesting start to the second half. Leko had such a promising start against Topalov in round 1. All of sudden, the tide was turned and Topalov was on a roll while Leko struggled in the next few rounds. I am sure Leko wants to return the favor.
The next question is will Topalov start to coast or will he start the second half with a vengeance again. He may not win all his games but I have to believe that he will continue to try.
This is a toss up.
Kasimdzhanov – Morozevich
Kasimdzhanov finished the first half with a -1. His performance was around 2700. He has proven that he could hang in there against the world’s best players. But he needs to do a lot more if he wants to defend his title. Morozevich had a horrible start but ended the first half on a high note by soundly defeating Anand. Can he build some momentum with this win?
I think it will be a fighting draw unless Morozevich is on a roll.
Adams – Svidler
Adams is having a disastrous event. Svidler is unexpectedly (in my opinion) in second place with a +2 score. I understand that Adams is quite down but I am sure he wants to finish the event with a respectable score. As we have seen in the first 7 rounds, anything can happen. I just have a hunch that Adams will gain some unexpected energy.
I will go out of my way to predict an upset for Adams.
Anand – J. Polgar
My sister Judit played one of her worst games against Anand. But I am very proud of the fact that she is still fighting hard in every game. She is not discouraged. She is still fighting. Anand ended the first half with an unexpected loss and an even score. Judit will want nothing more than to start the second half on a high note. I fully expect some fireworks in this game.
This is a toss up but Anand is White. 
Hi Susan,
First of all, thank you for your insightful & entertaining comments during this tourney !
With regards to your predictions, I suspect Leko will try to play it safe against Topi, as he doesn’t seem to have the required aggression. 🙂 Leko will try to bore Topi to defeat, but the padlock-bearded Bulgarian won’t let him !
On the whole, I think this is the most exciting tourney I’ve witnessed, and, with the sort of fighting chess we’ve seen, its going to rejuvenate interest in chess all over the world.
Finally, I think the tournament is no more about who is WCC, but who will play Prince to King Topalov.
Cheers.
Dont think the chasers have given up … which makes the next few rounds more exciting with risky chess..
Thanks Susan for the excellent blog.
Susan,
Great comments…I really pulling for Judit. please tell we all love her.
Well, 7 more rounds still to go and I believe we can still see some spirited chases. However, that does not mean that they will catch Topa.
Unless Topa loses twice, there is no hope in catching him!
Anyone know whats the deal with Kramnik and Pono ? Wish they were playing, then there wont be any mess anymore. Ofcourse Kaspy may want a rematch in 3000AD 🙂