9/12/2008 – Anand vs Topalov was a Caro-Kann, with unambitious play by the World Champion, who seemed satisfied with a draw-and-nothing-more. Radjabov vs Carlsen was a tough fight that ended in a 53-move draw. Ivanchuk vs Aronian saw the Ukrainian achieve a winnable position and then spoil it to a draw in time trouble. Note: the final round begins on Saturday at 4 p.m. local time. Illustrated report.
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Grand
Slam Chess Final Masters Bilbao
The Chess Grand Slam Final is being staged in Bilbao, Spain, from September
1st to 13th 2008. It is a six-player double round robin event, one of the strongest
in the history of the game (at least by Elo average, 2775.6, making it a category
22 tournament). Games start at 17:00h local time (CEST). The scoring system
in this tournament is different and experimental. Players get three points for
a win, one point for a draw and zero points for losing a game. For rating purposes
the traditional 1-½-0 system will be used. The prize fund for the event
is 400,000 Euros, with the winner receiving €150,000, the second place
€70,000, etc. with the 6th player getting €30,000. The sums are unprecedented
for an event like this. Only World Championships have exceeded the amount.
The usual suspects: photo journalist wait for the obligatory handshake at
the start of the round
Gotcha! Topalov and Anand shake at the to the flash of a dozen digital cameras
The game begins with Topalov playing a suprise Caro-Kann
Vassily Ivanchuk takes an interest in the development of this game
Viewed through the glass: Anand ponders during his game with Topalov
Vishy Anand vs Veselin Topalov: The Indian World Champion
has had a dreadful time so far in the Masters and was in no mood for desperate
measures against the tournament leader. Veselin Topalov surprised him with a
Caro-Kann and Anand countered with super-solid play. The game ended in a draw
on move 41.
Magnus Carlsen kibitzes in the game Ivanchuk vs Aronian
Always cheery and amusing, a connoisseur of hot foods – Armenian GM Levon
Aronian
Vassily Ivanchuk vs Levon Aronian: The Ukrainian GM played
a fine game and gained a winning advantage. But just as everyone was prepared
for yet another win by the current number one on the unofficial Live
Ratings list, which would have brought him the lead (with Topalov) in Bilbao,
he got into time trouble and allowed Lev Aronian back into the game. The Armenian
GM was able to hold and the game ended on move 69 with king and knight vs king,
material that is insufficient even for a theoretical helpmate.
Why can't I beat this kid? Teimour Radjabov presses against 17-year-old
Magnus Carlsen
Always ready for a fight: Magnus Carlsen from Norway
Teimour Radjabov vs Magnus Carlsen: Instead of taking a day
off and playing for a draw the young Norwegian, who looks a little pale and
a bit thinner after his stomach infection (it is over now) once again went for
a full fight with the black pieces. Carlsen was unable to gain an advantage
in the middlegame, lost a pawn and ended the game with a repetition on move
53.
The setup in Bilbao: a giant awning protects the glass cabin and visitors
from the elements
The spectators can approach fairly closely and be as noisy as they like –
the cabin is well sound-proofed
Spanish GM Francisco Vallejo, one of Veselin Topalov's seconds (in Bilbao
we spotted in addition Ivan Cheparinov, Ruslan Ponomariov and Silvio Danailov
of the Topalov team)
Children at the venue playing with the Spanish version of Fritz
& Chesster
Our favourites: Maite and Pilar, who look after the players and, more relevantly,
the press
Bilbao scores
Player
games
wins
draws
losses
points
Veselin Topalov
9
3
5
1
14
Levon Aronian
9
3
4
2
13
Magnus Carlsen
9
3
3
2
12
Vassily Ivanchuk
9
2
6
1
12
Vishy Anand
9
0
7
2
7
Teimur Radjabov
9
0
7
2
7
Traditional scores (for rating purposes)
The final round is on Saturday at 4 p.m. local time.
Video reports and interviews by Europe Echecs
These reports are being produced by Vijay Kumar for the French chess magazine
Europe Echecs
The games are being broadcast live on the official web site and on the
chess server Playchess.com.
If you are not a member you can download
the free PGN reader ChessBase Light, which gives you immediate access.
You can also use the program to read, replay and analyse the PGN games.
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Videos: Nico Zwirs examines two Petroffs from the 2026 Candidates. Robert Ris has a tip against the Caro-Kann Advance Variation with 3…c5. Fiona Sieber reveals a surprise weapon against the Najdorf. ‘Lucky Bag’ with 40 analyses by Ganguly, L'Ami et al.
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Grand
Slam Chess Final Masters Bilbao
