1.d4
Nf6
2.c4
e6
3.Nf3
d5
4.g3
Bb4+
5.Bd2
Be7
6.Bg2
0-0
7.0-0
c6
8.Qc2
b6
9.Rd1
Nbd7
10.Bf4
Ba6
[10...Bb7
is also possible - of course.]
11.cxd5
cxd5
12.Ne5!?N
[12.Nc3
had been played a few times.]
12...Nxe5!?
I'm close to putting a second "N" after this move, as this is actually the move showing a new idea! [12...Rc8
13.Nc6!
has actually already been played with another move order. White gains the bishop pair, but practice has showed no problem at all for black. So there were probably some new ideas coming in case this position appeared instead!]
13.dxe5
Rc8
14.Nc3
Ng4
15.h3
Maybe this move can be improved upon, though I doubt it.
15...Nxf2!
16.Kxf2
Bc5+
17.Be3
[17.Ke1
f6!
offers Black big compensation. Somehow, it is better to bring White's king to e3 for one move and then remove it, rather than hide it forever on e1. Here Black would probably be much better.]
17...Bxe3+
18.Kxe3
b5
[Another computer line is: 18...f6
19.Kf2
b5
20.Qd2
b4
21.Nxd5
fxe5+
22.Ke1
exd5
23.Qxd5+
Qxd5
24.Bxd5+
Kh8
25.Rac1+/=
and White enjoys some space advantage.]
19.Qd3
Rc4
20.Nxd5
exd5
21.Bxd5
21...Qg5+?!
This simply looks wrong or too optimistic - still, that's why we like Topalov's games! [21...Qb6+
22.Kf3
Rc5
was probably the best chance, and not far from equalizing, for instance: 23.e4
Qc7
24.Qe3
Bc8!
25.Qf4
Be6
with "drawing counterplay".]
22.Kf2
Qxe5?!
The logical continuation now, but probably not the best.
23.Bxc4
bxc4
24.Qd6?!
[24.Qd4!
might give White good winning chances, for example: 24...Qe6!?
(24...Qh5
25.h4
doesn't help.; 24...Qf5+
25.Kg2
Bb7+
(25...Re8
26.Rd2
) 26.Kh2
and White's queen has control of the f2-square. I believe this kind of position should be technically winning for White, as his king is not exposed to a draft anymore.) 25.g4
(25.h4!?
) 25...c3!?
26.bxc3!
Qxe2+
27.Kg3
Bb7
28.Rd2
Qe7
29.c4+/-
Here some engines declare white has a good advantage, while others deem the advantage decisive. I believe the reality is in between. This should be technically winning but White's weak king gives Black some chances to draw.]
24...Qf5+
25.Ke1
Qxh3!
Now Black draws.
26.Qxa6
Qxg3+
27.Kd2
Qf4+
28.Kc2
Qe4+
29.Kc1
Qe3+
30.Kb1
Qe4+
31.Kc1
An exciting game! 1/2-1/2