Topalov has strucked again to pull in a tie for first place with one round to go. After escaping a near loss yesterday against Ponomariov, Topalov defeated the tournament leader Gata Kamsky with the Black pieces in 29 moves!
In my opinion, Gata should have played 1.d4 instead of 1.e4. Topalov is the one with the pressure to win with the Black pieces. Therefore, it would be better not to allow the Sicilian defence and instead play something boring / solid and force Topalov to take big risks. But of course it is a lot easier said than done.
In the mean time, Bacrot – Ponomariov and Anand – Svidler drew. Anand needed to win to keep pace with Topalov and Kamsky and Svidler needed the win to be just 1/2 point behind the leader and he will face Gata tomorrow. But at the end, the game ended in an exciting draw.
After 9 rounds, here are the standings:
1-2 5.5 GM Kamsky (USA, 2671), GM Topalov (Bulgaria, 2804)
3 5.0 GM Anand (India, 2803)
4 4.5 GM Svidler (Russia, 2743)
5 3.5 GM Bacrot (France, 2708)
6 3.0 GM Ponomariov (Ukraine, 2738)
Prepare for big excitement on the last day!
Susan….how you stay on top of everything….you’re even faster than CNN!! Keep up the good work.
Mike Magnan
Yeah, Kamsky master both 1 d4 and 1 e4, this was a moment for something balanced. On 1 d4 Topalov would maybe try something double-edged like the Benoni, but that opening has lower theoretical standing than SI Najdorf.
But lets give a thumb up for both. Kamsky wanted a real fight, Topalov rose to the challenge.
Topalov on top of the list again … number 1 indeed.
Susan, your comments are perfect. This is why you should have been Judit’s coach in San Luis. Having a World Champion coach was her only chance to become World Champion.
Topalov rules chess. His games should replace Alekhines and Pandolfini’s teachings.
Damn, i was so sad during this game after to see b4 and a futur a4 coming …
I hope to see Judith beating Topalov to avenge Kamsky.