Topalov Wins Game 7, Wins Match 4.5-2.5
The final game of the Topalov-Kamsky Candidates Match wasn't pretty, but it was very exciting. In a sharp, generally inferior position Topalov gambled on Kamsky's time shortage, and it paid off. Kamsky could have won, but with little time to think he played "instinctive" moves against a Topalov cheapo, and instead of equaling the scores found himself out a rook and out of the match. Neither player showed his best chess in the match, but what Topalov brought to the table proved good enough on this occasion, and he is now slated to face Anand for the title. (This match will allegedly take place some time this year, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens in early 2010.)
For a look at the lively game that clinched the match, have a look here.
For a look at the lively game that clinched the match, have a look here.
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Posted by Dennis Monokroussos on
Thursday February 26, 2009 at 1:18pm
- in the 19... Nb4 line that you give as += there's 20 Bh7! Kh7 21 Bf6!! which is +-
- 28. Q:f5 is an interesting try for white - hopefully a little less drawish that R:a3 (but 100% more correct that Rec2)
- in 32... Bd3 that you comment as -/+ there's 33. Rc4 bc4 34. h4 Rb1 35. Kh2 R:a1 36. d7 Rh1 which is just fine for equality after both K:h1 and even better Kg3
Your computer is better than mine, or you were more patient. :)
19...Nb4 20.Bxh7+ Kxh7 (which I gave) 21.Bf6 does win. When I did my quick computer check before posting the move came up but it didn't think it was any better than 21.Re2, but after a little while it agrees.
23.Qb4 looks reasonable.
28.Qxf5 is interesting and perhaps the best choice if Topalov wanted to befuddle his opponent, though objectively I don't know if it's any better than 28.Rxa3.
32...Bd3: That's a pretty ridiculous line, but it looks good!