(1) Radjabov,T (2700) - Topalov,V (2801) [C65]
XXIII SuperGM Morelia/Linares MEX/ESP (11), 07.03.2006



1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 Topalov seems to have not been put off by the defeat in the first round of the Morelia half and manifests his intention to play the Berlin variation again.

4.d3 But Radjabov does not seem to be prepared for a theoretical dispute.

4...Bc5 [Topalov has played this already against Anand in San Luis. Another common reaction is 4...d6 ]

5.Bxc6!? Radjabov chooses a quiet plan. After this exchange, White will be left with the more flexible pawn structure, without any danger of losing. Could he have hoped that Topalov will be overdoing it in the attempt of complicating the fight, just as he did in the first game of their mini-match?

5...dxc6 6.Qe2 Bg4 7.Nbd2 Nd7 8.h3 Bxf3 9.Nxf3 Qe7 10.c3 0-0 11.0-0 Rfe8 12.Re1 Rad8 13.Bd2 Nf8 14.Rad1 Bb6 15.Be3










15...c5 A slightly paradoxical but entirely adequate decision. Black prevents the thematic oepning of the centre by means of d4, which would leave White with an extra-pawn on the king side.

16.a3 Rd7 17.b4 f6 18.Qc2 Ne6 Consolidating the control of the d4-square.

19.Qb3 Qf7 20.Qc4 Red8 21.Rd2 cxb4 22.axb4 h6 23.Kf1 c6 24.Red1 Bxe3 25.fxe3 Re8 26.Kg1 White's only constructive plan would be to play d4, but this would seriously weaken the e4-pawn. Therefore, the decision whether to offer a draw does not really seem premature. 1/2-1/2