Robert Ris: Anand beats Topalov in the final game of their 2010 match

by Robert Ris
4/28/2023 – A new world chess champion is about to be crowned. Game 14 of the match facing Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren will be played on Saturday. The score is tied, so a draw will lead to a rapid playoff on Sunday. As a preview to what is likely to become a memorable weekend for chess fans, Robert Ris recaps similar deciding encounters, focusing on the 2010 match in Sofia — the score was also tied, and defending champion Vishy Anand beat Veselin Topalov with the black pieces to keep the title!

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The final countdown

Game 14 (out of 14) of the World Championship match in Astana kicks off at 11.00 CEST on Saturday. Read all our reports from the match here.

Vishy Anand retained his title as world champion by beating Veselin Topalov 6½-5½ in their 2010 12-game match in Sofia. The Indian legend clinched overall victory by beating his famed colleague with black in game 12, played on May 11, a Tuesday.

Topalov faltered on move 31.

Anand had just played 30...f5, attacking White’s central structure. Topalov, an attacking player himself, failed to feel the danger and replied by 31.exf5, opening up the light-squared long diagonal (with the black bishop from a8 dangerously lined up with the black king on g2).

31...e4 followed, naturally, and Topalov erred again with 32.fxe4. Check out the video analysis below to see how Anand wrapped up the game in style!

Robert Ris analyses final games from WCh matches

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Robert is an International Master who mostly spends his time training and coaching talented youngsters. On the PlayChess server The Fast and the Furious is a popular show where he explains sharp opening lines for a wider audience. He is also a well-known ChessBase author who produced numerous DVDs and regularly contributes to ChessBase Magazine as well. Since 2015 he is the organizer of the Dutch Rapid Championships in his home town Amstelveen. He has started a YouTube channel with chess analysis as well.