Leko is content with +3. He and Svidler agreed to a draw on move 30. Yesterday, Bacrot lost because of a deadly pin. Today, he returned the favor to Vallejo. Ivanchuk with the White pieces had a promising position against Radjabov. But as typical Ivanchuk, he can play the game of the decade or … Today is one of those or…
What can we say about Topalov? He squeezed Aronian in a Rook and Bishop opposite color Bishop endgame. While most GMs would have taken a draw 40-50 moves earlier, he pushed and pushed, similar to San Luis style. He was rewarded with a win on move 76. That’s 3 consecutive wins in Spain. He is now in a tie for second place, 1 point behind Leko! Guess who has White against Leko in the last round?
After today, the standings are:
1. 6.5 GM Peter Leko (Hungary 2740) 6.5
2-4 5.5 GM Levon Aronian (Armenia 2752), GM Teimour Radjabov (Azerbaijan 2700), GM Veselin Topalov (Bulgaria 2801)
5. 5.0 GM Peter Svidler (Russia 2765)
6-8. 4.0 GM Vassily Ivanchuk (Ukraine 2729), GM Francisco Vallejo Pons (Spain 2650), GM Etienne Bacrot (France 2717) 
Susan- Do you know if Garry is doing booksignings in NYC as he did last year when book #4 came out- thanks!
I wonder if Topolov and Karjakin will be comparing notes about their chess experiences in Mexico?
If Topolov wins or finishes in a tie for first after such an horrendous start, then I will definately be a believer. Also, I see his birthday is on the 15th of March, and one knows you should beware of that.
Topalov-Aronian was a great game!
It takes two to play a game like that. The endgame was tricky, and tougher for Aronian, who was stuggling with the clock in an inferior position where he had more ways to lose than Topalov had ways to win, but he also had ways to draw if Topalov made an oversight. Bravo!
It was a real chess game!!!
Leko is hearing footsteps…
And Aronian’s day will come.
Anonymous Frank
Yeah, I agree, I can see Aronian supplanting both Topolov and Anand in a few years. Then having to stave off all these kids, and the beat goes on.
Topalov plays Leko in the second to last round, not the last round.