Round #14 Pairings

Topalov (Bulgaria) - Polgar (Hungary)
Svidler (Russia) - Anand (India)
Morozevich (Russia) - Adams (England)
Leko (Hungary) - Kasimjanov (Uzbekistan)


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Round #14 Results

Topalov-Polgar, ˝-˝. After having won the World Championship , there is already talk of matches with rivals. The name of Vladimir Kramnik is the first because of the possible unification  of the titles and Garry Kasparov because of the possible intrigue.  In addition, Topalov is poised to pass Kasparov's current rating mark of 2812 within the next year. In an interview, Topalov stated that he is even prepared to play Bobby Fischer in a Fischer Random match! The last round game between Topalov and Polgar was a formality as the holders of first and last place would quietly draw in 18 moves. (game)

Svidler-Anand, ˝-˝. This game was highly anticipated, but there wasn't really much fight in the game which ended in 19 moves. Another Petroff on the books, but the opening move order was interesting… 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. Nc3 Nxc3 6. dxc3!? After 10.Kb1, it appeared as if Svidler was going to try to press for the point with a kingside attack, but that was the only warning shot and this game concluded a long and tiresome tournament these two elite players. While this +3 result can be considered somewhat of a disappointment, Anand would get an automatic seed in the second round of the next championship cycle. (game)

Morozevich-Adams, ˝-˝. Morozevich had already clinched 4th place, so this game had nothing at stake… only his even score. Adams went into the last round looking for his first win and in the mid-stages of the game, it appeared as if he would succeed. Morozevich played some strange knight maneuvers and got in to trouble as Adams barreled through the center with 26…f5! the shot 30…d4! and finally 34…Nc3! In the ensuing exchanges, black would win material, but things started to go horribly wrong.

White was able to get enough material off the world such that black's material advantage would mean nothing if the pawns were exchanged. Amazing Morozevich pulled off yet another miracle as Adams could not prevent a technical draw. The strength of this tournament is such that Adams could not net a single win. This was certainly a disappointment, but nevertheless Adams played much better in the second half, drawing all seven  of his encounters. (game)

Leko-Kasimjanov, 1-0. Both players had the same score going into the last round and hoped to end the tournament on a high note. It was interesting that while Leko was disgusted with his play throughout the tournament, Kasimjanov mentioned in the press conference that he was pleased his play.  Well in this game it would be Leko who would end the tournament on a high note.

In a Sicilian Paulsen, he  gradually gained the kingside initiative as the black pieces looked on from the queenside. After 24.f5!? the attack was in full force and black was forced to play the crippling 28…g5 and the kingside was soon shattered. Soon white would control all areas of the board and after 40.Nc6, Kasimjanov could have opted to resign, but played on  until white's 48.Rcc2. White would retain his decisive material advantage. (game)


Standings:

1st Topalov, 10-4
2nd-3rd Anand, Svidler, 8˝-5˝
4th Morozevich, 7-7
5th Leko, 6˝-7˝
6th-7th Kasimjanov, Adams, 5˝-8˝
8th Polgar, 4˝-9˝


Congratulation to GM Veselin Topalov!!

Posted by The Chess Drum: 13 October 2005