Game 10: a solid draw

by kevinspraggettonchess · May 8, 2010

SPRAGGETT ON CHESS

After the chaos of the previous game, both players returned to ‘meat and potato’ chess today as the 10th game ended in a draw after ‘only’ 60 moves. Topalov managed to outplay his opponent at one point, however, to arrive at a slightly better ending.

POSITION AFTER BLACK’S 37th MOVE

Topalov

White has the Bishop pair and a passed centre pawn. Also his King is a bit better placed. Black, however, has a 2-1 Queenside majority that offers some counterplay. As well, Black’s pieces prevent both the advance of White’s d-pawn and the infiltration of the White King.

Never the less, it is White that has the better long-term chances. Here Topalov should think of advancing his h-pawn to h5, creating a target on the King-side for his Bishop pair. Instead, Topalov played uncertainly and the King-side never really became an area of interest.

After the game Topalov said that his ending was quite pleasant, but that at one point he simply played badly and allowed the Indian to make a relatively painless draw.

Anand was quite relieved to have played a ‘normal’ game and achieved a ‘normal’ result with the Black pieces after the chaos of yesterday’s game. Here we can see the Indian smile during the press conference…

HERE IS THE PRESS CONFERENCE, COURTESY OF CHESSVIBES

[blip.tv http://blip.tv/play/hcxggdzANAI%2Em4v]

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The match stands at a 5-5 score, with just 2 games remaining in the 12 game match. Saturday is a rest day. Who ever scores 6.5 points first wins the title of World Champion. Should the match end in a 6-6 tie, then a series of tie-break games played at a very fast time control will decide a winner.

HERE ARE SOME PHOTOS FROM THE ACTION ON FRIDAY