Behind the glass

It is unlikely that anyone could have predicted such an intriguing start to the match for the world chess champion title. The heir of Garry Kasparov, the classic world champion Vladimir Kramnik, who has noticeably faded in recent years, started with two victories. What a reason to slander the chess strawberry lovers about the initial embarrassment, isolated in Elista from the auditorium by a glass partition, the FIDE triumphant Veselin Topalov, who has sharply increased his chess strength over the course of just a year.

The quality of his play is noticeably weak. However, it is too early to beat the kettledrums for our fans - the nature of the games gives more questions than answers. Of course, there are more questions for the victim: in the first game he lost in one move, in the second he did not win in one move. In the opening match, Kramnik, who had gained little from his Whites, was forced to go on the defensive and received a victory as a gift from Topalov in a situation where, in his own opinion, he could force a draw at any moment. The events of the second game developed until the critical moment according to Veselin’s scenario. In the Slavic defense, Topalov, who played White, received a spatial advantage and prospects for attacking the king's side, and although the chances of breaking through Black's position seemed illusory, the Bulgarian champion, famous for his aggressive play, was determined. Go for the king! And although Kramnik successfully stormed the queenside, it seemed that strength was breaking the order - especially when Topalov unexpectedly and brilliantly sacrificed the queen, and the next move, the rook.

Kramnik could not take the queen due to a forced mating attack, but he had to take the rook. And at this moment, when, according to the logic of the balance of attack and defense, for which both champions are famous, the objective result of the game should be a draw - Vladimir could force Veselin to force a perpetual check, miracles happened. Kramnik made a grave mistake. Topalov could have given mate in three moves, but he didn’t. And although White's attack still looked dangerous, it was felt that the Bulgarian was not at his best, and later he missed a rather simple opportunity to force a draw. Kramnik managed to exchange queens, and his passed pawn cost his opponent his bishop. It remains to add that in this game both champions could not complain about the influence of time pressure - it simply did not exist. Yesterday was a day off according to the regulations, the opponents had time to cool down and draw conclusions. Despite the optimistic start, Kramnik under no circumstances should switch to drawing tactics, bearing in mind the mistake of his last match opponent Peter Leko.

Oleg STETSKO