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One-time Champion of the USSR (1990), Vladimir Kramnik joins this year’s candidates as a veteran Top-3 player with a list of accomplishments that seems to run on for miles. As but one example, Dortmund, a marquee event on the calendar for decades, is “his” tournament, with ten titles to his credit. That, however, has hardly encumbered his results in a plethora of additional super-tournaments over the years. Even more importantly, this is the man who ripped the classical crown from the hands of Kasparov in the year 2000. Throw in his unwavering dependability as a teammate and what more could you want in a player competing to fight for the world title?
Starting out young, in Botvinnik’s famed chess school, Kramnik quickly rose to an elite standard of play, culminating in his first notable success as first reserve for the Russian team at the 1992 Manila Olympiad. As a 16-year-old upstart, his selection was much-criticized leading up to the event, but Kasparov’s support of the decision, coupled with Kramnik’s 8.5/9 score, served to handily silence the critics.
Kramnik during the 1992 Manila Olympiad...
... and discussing a game there in his ChessBase DVD My Path to the Top
Early on in his professional career, the World Champion’s title proved elusive to Kramnik, but, after a series of disappointing results on both the FIDE and PCA sides of the universe, including a 4.5-3.5 match loss to Boris Gelfand (whom he will soon be facing again), he was eventually granted an opportunity to play for Kasparov’s classical world title in the year 2000. His loss in a Candidates match with Shirov in 1998 made some question the legitimacy of the selection process for this subsequent World Championship match, but, nonetheless, after leaving the chess world dumbstruck by grinding out an undefeated 8.5-6.5 match victory over Kasparov, Kramnik was ushered in as the new classical world champion.
Kramnik vs Kasparov in the 2000 World Championship match
A successful, albeit nail-biting, title defense against Peter Leko in 2004, followed by his reunification of the chess world in 2006 with the defeat of Topalov, left few in doubt that Kramnik might hold on to his title for a long while. Then, a resurgent Anand upset the applecart, wresting the title from Kramnik and successfully defending it to this day. It started with the 2007 World Championship tournament, where Kramnik finished tied with Gelfand for 2nd through 3rd, was followed by Anand’s surprisingly healthy 6.5-4.5 victory in a return match, and, to date, ended with Kramnik’s elimination in the second round of the 2011 Candidates matches at the hands of Grischuk.
With Kramnik’s former claim that he was merely loaning the world title to Anand, he continues to have something to prove and, despite the depth of the field at this event, as we will see, he stands a reasonable chance of success.
# | Result |
Moves
|
Year | Event | Opening |
1 | Win (w) |
53
|
1993 | Linares | E81 King's Indian, Samisch |
2 | Draw (b) |
11
|
1993 | Biel Interzonal | D10 QGD Slav |
3 | Draw (w) |
41
|
1994 | Linares | E92 King's Indian |
4 | Draw (w) |
14
|
1994 | Candidates Semi-Final | B52 Sicilian, Rossolimo |
5 | Draw (b) |
33
|
1994 | Candidates Semi-Final | B30 Sicilian |
6 | Win (w) |
35
|
1994 | Candidates Semi-Final | B52 Sicilian, Rossolimo |
7 | Loss (b) |
42
|
1994 | Candidates Semi-Final | D32 QGD, Tarrasch |
8 | Draw (w) |
47
|
1994 | Candidates Semi-Final | B22 Sicilian, Alapin |
9 | Draw (b) |
76
|
1994 | Candidates Semi-Final | A50 Queen’s Pawn Game |
10 | Draw (w) |
23
|
1994 | Candidates Semi-Final | B52 Sicilian, Rossolimo |
11 | Loss (b) |
63
|
1994 | Candidates Semi-Final | A34 English, Symmetrical |
12 | Draw (b) |
27
|
1995 | Belgrade Invest | A35 English, Symmetrical |
13 | Draw (w) |
11
|
1995 | European Club Cup | B52 Sicilian, Rossolimo |
14 | Draw (b) |
33
|
1996 | Euwe Mem | A33 English, Symmetrical |
15 | Draw (w) |
63
|
1996 | Dos Hermanas | A15 English |
16 | Draw (w) |
24
|
1996 | Dortmund | E97 King's Indian |
17 | Draw (w) |
51
|
1996 | Novgorod | E97 King's Indian |
18 | Loss (b) |
62
|
1996 | Novgorod | B70 Sicilian, Dragon |
19 | Draw (w) |
35
|
1996 | Vienna | E97 King's Indian |
20 | Win (b) |
28
|
1996 | European Club Cup | D45 QGD Semi-Slav |
21 | Draw (w) |
15
|
1997 | Linares | D15 QGD Slav |
22 | Draw (b) |
17
|
1997 | Dos Hermanas | D46 QGD Semi-Slav |
23 | Draw (b) |
17
|
1997 | Novgorod | E14 Queen's Indian |
24 | Draw (w) |
76
|
1997 | Novgorod | D15 QGD Slav |
25 | Draw (b) |
32
|
1997 | Dortmund | D55 QGD |
26 | Draw (w) |
66
|
1997 | Belgrade Invest | E97 King's Indian |
27 | Win (w) |
40
|
1998 | Wijk aan Zee | D11 QGD Slav |
28 | Draw (b) |
30
|
1999 | Dos Hermanas | D37 QGD |
29 | Win (w) |
60
|
2001 | Astana | E06 Catalan, Closed |
30 | Draw (b) |
29
|
2001 | Astana | D58 QGD, Tartakower |
31 | Draw (w) |
20
|
2005 | European Club Cup | D12 QGD Slav |
32 | Draw (b) |
19
|
2006 | Dortmund | D47 QGD Semi-Slav |
33 | Win (w) |
62
|
2007 | Dortmund | D45 QGD Semi-Slav |
34 | Draw (w) |
40
|
2007 | FIDE World Ch | D43 QGD Semi-Slav |
35 | Draw (b) |
26
|
2007 | FIDE World Ch | D47 QGD Semi-Slav |
36 | Draw (b) |
31
|
2007 | Tal Memorial | D12 QGD Slav |
37 | Draw (w) |
48
|
2008 | Corus | E15 Queen’s Indian |
38 | Draw (b) |
47
|
2008 | Tal Memorial | D45 QGD Semi-Slav |
39 | Draw (b) |
81
|
2009 | Tal Memorial | E04 Catalan, Open |
40 | Draw (b) |
32
|
2010 | Tal Memorial | E10 Queen’s Pawn Game |
41 | Draw (b) |
48
|
2011 | Tal Memorial | D37 QGD |
42 | Draw (w) |
59
|
2013 | Zurich | A04 Reti |
43 | Draw (b) |
46
|
2013 | Zurich | E06 Catalan, Closed |
Overall: 6 Wins, 34 Draws, 3 Losses
White: 5 Wins, 16 Draws, 0 Losses
Black: 1 Win, 18 Draws, 3 Losses
Gelfand and Kramnik are both old veterans these days and they have 43 classical encounters against one another to speak to that longevity. Both have been in these circumstances before, but it is Gelfand who has the better results when the stakes are high, having eliminated Kramnik in their semi-final match of the 1994 Candidates tournament, while holding him to two draws at the 2007 FIDE World Championship tournament. With the Catalan making a reappearance between these two, after its first successful deployment in Astana in 2001, do not be surprised to see Gelfand reach back into their pre-history to pull out an opening like the Rossolimo.
# | Result |
Moves
|
Year | Event | Opening |
1 | Draw (b) |
26
|
1997 | Tilburg | B33 Sicilian |
2 | Draw (b) |
30
|
1998 | Linares | B33 Sicilian |
3 | Win (w) |
29
|
1998 | Linares | E05 Catalan, Open, Classical |
4 | Win (w) |
30
|
1998 | Dortmund | D86 Grunfeld, Exchange |
5 | Draw (w) |
25
|
1998 | Tilburg | D86 Grunfeld, Exchange |
6 | Draw (b) |
27
|
1999 | Wijk aan Zee | B33 Sicilian |
7 | Draw (b) |
27
|
1999 | Linares | C42 Petrov |
8 | Win (w) |
33
|
1999 | Linares | D85 Grunfeld |
9 | Draw (b) |
23
|
1999 | Dos Hermanas | C43 Petrov, Modern |
10 | Draw (b) |
18
|
1999 | European Club Cup | B74 Sicilian, Dragon, Classical |
11 | Win (w) |
49
|
2004 | Wijk aan Zee | B97 Sicilian, Najdorf |
12 | Draw (w) |
45
|
2004 | Dortmund | D85 Grunfeld |
13 | Draw (b) |
25
|
2004 | Dortmund | C67 Ruy Lopez |
14 | Win (w) |
28
|
2005 | Corus | B41 Sicilian, Kan |
15 | Draw (w) |
25
|
2005 | Dortmund | B44 Sicilian |
16 | Loss (b) |
48
|
2005 | Russian Superfinal | C42 Petrov |
17 | Draw (b) |
39
|
2006 | Dortmund | C42 Petrov |
18 | Draw (b) |
21
|
2007 | Corus | C42 Petrov |
19 | Draw (w) |
23
|
2007 | FIDE World Ch | D43 QGD Semi-Slav |
20 | Draw (b) |
29
|
2007 | FIDE World Ch | C42 Petrov |
21 | Win (w) |
37
|
2009 | Tal Memorial | D85 Grunfeld |
22 | Loss (b) |
41
|
2011 | Tal Memorial | A13 English |
23 | Loss (b) |
44
|
2011 | Russian Superfinal | A07 KIA |
Overall: 6 Wins, 14 Draws, 3 Losses
White: 6 Wins, 4 Draws, 0 Losses
Black: 0 Wins, 10 Draws, 3 Losses
As a many-time Russian Champion, Svidler is a notably pesky opponent for any elite player to face. That proves to be no different for Kramnik, as, although Vladimir holds an edge in their lifetime series, Svidler has claimed victory in both of their two most recent encounters and held Kramnik to two draws at the 2007 World Championship tournament, an additional victory for Peter at the 2005 Russian Superfinal simply being a cherry on the sundae. The Petrov may make a return, but do not disclude the possibility of a return to explorations of the Sicilian.
# | Result |
Moves
|
Year | Event | Opening |
1 | Win (b) |
33
|
1993 | Linares | B57 Sicilian |
2 | Draw (w) |
19
|
1993 | World Team Championship | D52 QGD |
3 | Draw (w) |
31
|
1994 | Linares | D17 QGD Slav |
4 | Loss (b) |
40
|
1994 | Novgorod | B33 Sicilian |
5 | Draw (w) |
65
|
1994 | Novgorod | D85 Grunfeld |
6 | Draw (w) |
38
|
1995 | Tal Memorial | A30 English, Symmetrical |
7 | Draw (w) |
20
|
1995 | Novgorod | D52 QGD |
8 | Win (w) |
50
|
1995 | Dortmund | D21 QGA |
9 | Draw (b) |
49
|
1995 | Credit Suisse Masters | B56 Sicilian |
10 | Draw (w) |
46
|
1995 | Belgrade Invest | E91 King's Indian |
11 | Win (b) |
32
|
1996 | Dos Hermanas | B62 Sicilian, Richter-Rauzer |
12 | Loss (b) |
40
|
1996 | Novgorod | D43 QGD Semi-Slav |
13 | Win (w) |
25
|
1996 | Novgorod | D44 QGD Semi-Slav |
14 | Draw (w) |
10
|
1996 | Yerevan Olympiad | D45 QGD Semi-Slav |
15 | Loss (b) |
34
|
1996 | Las Palmas | E81 King's Indian, Samisch |
16 | Win (w) |
50
|
1996 | Las Palmas | A15 English |
17 | Win (b) |
41
|
1997 | Linares | B65 Sicilian, Richter-Rauzer |
18 | Win (w) |
19
|
1997 | Dortmund | D45 QGD Semi-Slav |
19 | Draw (w) |
32
|
1997 | Belgrade Invest | A15 English |
20 | Draw (w) |
58
|
1998 | Linares | D02 Queen's Pawn Game |
21 | Draw (b) |
74
|
1998 | Linares | B57 Sicilian |
22 | Draw (b) |
17
|
1998 | Dortmund | C42 Petrov |
23 | Draw (b) |
12
|
1999 | Wijk aan Zee | C42 Petrov |
24 | Draw (w) |
25
|
1999 | Linares | D45 QGD Semi-Slav |
25 | Draw (b) |
22
|
1999 | Linares | D37 QGD |
26 | Win (b) |
38
|
2001 | Wijk aan Zee | C65 Ruy Lopez, Berlin |
27 | Draw (w) |
41
|
2003 | Wijk aan Zee | B67 Sicilian, Richter-Rauzer |
28 | Draw (b) |
16
|
2006 | Turin Olympiad | A29 English, Four Knights |
29 | Draw (b) |
59
|
2007 | Tal Memorial | C42 Petrov |
30 | Draw (b) |
37
|
2008 | Wijk aan Zee | C42 Petrov |
31 | Loss (b) |
49
|
2008 | Dortmund | C42 Petrov |
32 | Draw (b) |
28
|
2008 | Tal Memorial | C42 Petrov |
33 | Draw (w) |
54
|
2008 | Dresden Olympiad | E32 Nimzo-Indian, Classical |
34 | Draw (b) |
28
|
2009 | Tal Memorial | D37 QGD |
35 | Draw (w) |
40
|
2010 | Wijk aan Zee | D37 QGD |
36 | Draw (w) |
35
|
2010 | Khanty-Mansiysk Olympiad | D97 Grunfeld, Russian |
37 | Draw (w) |
57
|
2011 | Tal Memorial | D15 QGD Slav |
38 | Draw (w) |
78
|
2012 | Istanbul Olympiad | A46 Queen's Pawn Game |
Overall: 8 Wins, 26 Draws, 4 Losses
White: 4 Wins, 16 Draws, 0 Losses
Black: 4 Wins, 10 Draws, 4 Losses
In team events, where results matter to more than just the individual, Ivanchuk and Kramnik have tended to draw. The implications of a shot at the world title have never been a theme in their encounters, however, so the resultant changes in their approach will be interesting to observe. The two may dispense with recent efforts and return to sharp Sicilian lines, although the temptation to play the Slav or Semi-Slav will be strong.
# | Result |
Moves
|
Year | Event | Opening |
1 | Draw (w) |
20
|
2003 | Wijk aan Zee | B23 Sicilian, Closed |
2 | Draw (w) |
67
|
2005 | Corus | B09 Pirc, Austrian |
3 | Draw (w) |
58
|
2007 | FIDE World Ch | E05 Catalan, Open, Classical |
4 | Draw (b) |
13
|
2007 | FIDE World Ch | C43 Petrov, Modern |
5 | Draw (w) |
39
|
2010 | Tal Memorial | D37 QGD |
6 | Draw (b) |
34
|
2011 | Wijk aan Zee | A09 Reti Opening |
7 | Draw (b) |
16
|
2011 | Candidates | D37 QGD |
8 | Draw (w) |
56
|
2011 | Candidates | A04 Reti Opening |
9 | Draw (b) |
25
|
2011 | Candidates | C42 Petrov |
10 | Draw (w) |
44
|
2011 | Candidates | A04 Reti Opening |
11 | Draw (b) |
21
|
2011 | Russian Superfinal | D39 QGD, Vienna |
12 | Win (w) |
29
|
2012 | Tal Memorial | E97 King's Indian |
Overall: 1 Win, 11 Draws, 0 Losses
White: 1 Win, 6 Draws, 0 Losses
Black: 0 Wins, 5 Draws, 0 Losses
As leading players in the world’s leading chess nation, it is surprising to see that Grischuk and Kramnik have not met more than a dozen times at standard time controls. By and large, draws have been the order of the day, but Kramnik did manage to take a maiden victory in their most recent game at the 2012 Tal Memorial. The 2007 World Championship tournament saw the two draw both games, one in 13 moves, while the 2011 Candidates tournament saw a 16-move draw to start and ended with Kramnik’s elimination in the tiebreak games. Grischuk will prove resilient, but count on Kramnik to attempt to use his momentum to advantage. The Petrov has been a common tool for Kramnik, but expect for it to be dropped in his games against Grischuk.
# | Result |
Moves
|
Year | Event | Opening |
1 | Draw (b) |
19
|
2003 | Wijk aan Zee | E15 Queen's Indian |
2 | Win (w) |
36
|
2003 | Linares | C11 French |
3 | Draw (b) |
48
|
2003 | Linares | E12 Queen's Indian |
4 | Win (w) |
31
|
2003 | Dortmund | B33 Sicilian |
5 | Draw (b) |
23
|
2003 | Dortmund | D38 QGD, Ragozin |
6 | Draw (b) |
23
|
2004 | Linares | C42 Petrov |
7 | Draw (w) |
35
|
2004 | Linares | C53 Giuoco Piano |
8 | Draw (w) |
28
|
2007 | Corus | E92 King's Indian |
9 | Draw (w) |
79
|
2008 | Corus | E97 King's Indian |
10 | Draw (b) |
25
|
2011 | Candidates Tournament | D56 QGD |
11 | Draw (w) |
61
|
2011 | Candidates Tournament | E06 Catalan, Closed |
12 | Draw (b) |
33
|
2011 | Candidates Tournament | D56 QGD |
13 | Draw (w) |
28
|
2011 | Candidates Tournament | D37 QGD |
14 | Draw (b) |
25
|
2012 | Tal Memorial | C65 Ruy Lopez, Berlin |
15 | Draw (b) |
37
|
2012 | Istanbul Olympiad | A15 English |
Overall: 2 Wins, 13 Draws, 0 Losses
White: 2 Wins, 5 Draws, 0 Losses
Black: 0 Wins, 8 Draws, 0 Losses
As one of a handful of leading members in the younger generation, Radjabov seems to have had fewer opportunities to face Kramnik up to this point. All told, however, Kramnik is +2 against the Azerbaijani and should hang tough again. Their 2011 Candidates match saw Radjabov controversially eliminated, but fortune may yet swing Teimour’s way. Expect a Queen’s Gambit Declined between these two.
# | Result |
Moves
|
Year | Event | Opening |
1 | Draw (b) |
85
|
2005 | European Club Cup | A15 English |
2 | Win (w) |
37
|
2006 | Turin Olympiad | A15 English |
3 | Draw (b) |
43
|
2006 | Dortmund | D20 QGA |
4 | Draw (b) |
28
|
2007 | Corus | D17 QGD Slav |
5 | Draw (b) |
22
|
2007 | FIDE World Championship | E05 Catalan, Open, Classical |
6 | Win (w) |
35
|
2007 | FIDE World Championship | E15 Queen’s Indian |
7 | Win (w) |
110
|
2008 | Corus | D44 QGD Semi-Slav |
8 | Draw (b) |
41
|
2008 | Dresden Olympiad | D44 QGD Semi-Slav |
9 | Draw (b) |
23
|
2009 | Tal Memorial | D39 QGD, Vienna |
10 | Draw (w) |
38
|
2010 | Shanghai Masters | D18 QGD Slav, Dutch |
11 | Win (b) |
71
|
2010 | Shanghai Masters | E04 Catalan, Open, 5.Nf3 |
12 | Draw (b) |
26
|
2010 | Khanty-Mansiysk Olympiad | A13 English |
13 | Loss (b) |
41
|
2010 | Tal Memorial | D38 QGD, Ragozin |
14 | Draw (w) |
26
|
2011 | Wijk aan Zee | D10 QGD Slav |
15 | Draw (b) |
49
|
2011 | Tal Memorial | D40 QGD, Semi-Tarrasch |
16 | Draw (w) |
32
|
2011 | London Classic | D37 QGD |
17 | Loss (w) |
41
|
2012 | Zurich Challenge Match | D43 QGD Semi-Slav |
18 | Draw (b) |
37
|
2012 | Zurich Challenge Match | C67 Ruy Lopez |
19 | Win (w) |
42
|
2012 | Zurich Challenge Match | C47 Four Knights |
20 | Draw (b) |
25
|
2012 | Zurich Challenge Match | C67 Ruy Lopez |
21 | Draw (w) |
43
|
2012 | Zurich Challenge Match | D43 QGD Semi-Slav |
22 | Draw (b) |
43
|
2012 | Zurich Challenge Match | C65 Ruy Lopez, Berlin |
23 | Draw (w) |
40
|
2012 | Tal Memorial | C47 Four Knights |
24 | Win (w) |
35
|
2012 | Istanbul Olympiad | D10 QGD Slav |
25 | Draw (b) |
67
|
2012 | London Classic | C67 Ruy Lopez |
Overall: 6 Wins, 17 Draws, 2 Losses
White: 5 Wins, 5 Draws, 1 Loss
Black: 1 Win, 12 Draws, 1 Loss
Kramnik has shown little love to Aronian in OTB play, although they are on good terms off it. Their training match in Zurich last year was a landmark event that may shape their approach to this all-important tournament, while the 1.5-0.5 margin secured by Kramnik over Aronian in their two games at the 2007 FIDE World Champion speaks to what he is capable of doing. Count on fighting play, with the Ruy Lopez and Semi-Slav possibly making a return as a means of resolving those conversations.
# | Result |
Moves
|
Year | Event | Opening |
1 | Draw (w) |
28
|
2007 | Corus | E04 Catalan, Open |
2 | Win (w) |
30
|
2007 | Dortmund | E05 Catalan, Open, Classical |
3 | Draw (w) |
40
|
2007 | Tal Memorial | E05 Catalan, Open, Classical |
4 | Loss (w) |
57
|
2008 | Corus | A30 English, Symmetrical |
5 | Draw (b) |
19
|
2009 | Dortmund | E32 Nimzo-Indian, Classical |
6 | Win (w) |
36
|
2009 | Dortmund | D37 QGD |
7 | Draw (b) |
58
|
2009 | Tal Memorial | E32 Nimzo-Indian, Classical |
8 | Loss (b) |
43
|
2009 | London Classic | A29 English, Four Knights |
9 | Win (b) |
38
|
2010 | Corus | E04 Catalan, Open |
10 | Win (w) |
45
|
2010 | Bilbao | E15 Queen's Indian |
11 | Draw (b) |
73
|
2010 | Bilbao | A29 English, Four Knights |
12 | Draw (w) |
86
|
2010 | London Classic | D07 QGD, Chigorin |
13 | Loss (w) |
80
|
2011 | Wijk aan Zee | E00 Queen's Pawn Game |
14 | Draw (w) |
41
|
2011 | Tal Memorial | A20 English |
15 | Draw (b) |
55
|
2011 | London Classic | E20 Nimzo-Indian |
16 | Draw (b) |
23
|
2012 | Tal Memorial | E32 Nimzo-Indian, Classical |
17 | Draw (w) |
62
|
2012 | London Classic | A37 English, Symmetrical |
Overall: 4 Wins, 10 Draws, 3 Losses
White: 3 Wins, 5 Draws, 2 Losses
Black: 1 Win, 5 Draws, 1 Loss
While Carlsen has been busy ascending the chess ladder, building his resume at a pace like few before him, Kramnik has maintained an edge in their lifetime score. They have yet to meet in an event of the magnitude that the Candidates tournament represents, but, even in lesser events, they are inclined to fight. Expect Carlsen’s repertoire to have been shaken up for this event. Kramnik may, therefore, stick with the English as white.
Wins
|
Draws
|
Losses
|
Draw %
|
|
Overall |
33
|
125
|
15
|
72.25%
|
White |
26
|
57
|
3
|
66.28%
|
Black |
7
|
68
|
12
|
78.16%
|
Line |
score
|
Perf.
|
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 |
71%
|
2806
|
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 |
68%
|
2771
|
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 |
68%
|
2813
|
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 g6 |
72%
|
2839
|
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 |
71%
|
2723
|
Kramnik can hardly be considered to be misfortunate in any opening as White, but his success against the Sicilian may speak to a preference to avoid it. He may, instead, continue to primarily employ various Queen’s Gambit lines in this tournament.
Line |
score
|
Perf.
|
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 |
40%
|
2654
|
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 |
49%
|
2776
|
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 |
54%
|
2801
|
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c6 |
44%
|
2680
|
1.c4 |
48%
|
2726
|
Kramnik’s success in playing Anti-Nimzo Indian and Old Sicilian lines has been relatively poor. The Petrov, on the other hand, has been extraordinarily good to him, while the Berlin has been a favourite as well. For the most part, expect for him to stick with what works.
The London Candidates 2013 will be the strongest tournament of its kind in history. The Prize Fund to be shared by the players totals €510,000. The winner of the Candidates will become the Challenger to Viswanathan Anand who has reigned as World Champion since 2007.
Full information on the Candidates – pairings and commentary schedule