San Luis, Round 2

San Luis Round 2 saw all games being drawn. However, do not let the results fool you. They were all very exciting draws (except Kasim-Svideler maybe).

The highlight of the tournament so far is the Topalov-Anand contest. If there recent games were any indication, this promised to be an exciting contest.

Well, the two did not disappoint!

As I mentioned in my previous blog, Topalov does not know the meaning of defensive play. The duo played a sharp variation of the Queen's Indian and the exchange left Topalov with a bishop pair versus a rook and bishop. However, Topalov had a fantastic passer on the C-file. I felt that it was not enough to push for a win. After a 7 hour (97 moves) slug fest the guys decided to call it a draw. I am sure they were exhausted after the game. I was tired from just watching the game! This game was human chess at its best. There were inaccuracies from both the sides as you might expect in a 7 hour long duel. Kudos to Anand for defending tenaciously against the most aggressive player on the circuit. Anand-Topalov share a fantastic rivalry and I am looking forward to future match-ups between the two Chess giants.

Vishy is going to be very happy with the way things have gone for him so far. He has 1.5/2.0 from 2 games played with black. The next time he faces Topa, he is going to have the white pieces.

Thank you guys for some fantastic entertainment. You are both true champions!

Here is a picture from after the draw was agreed upon:

Tango on...

Round 1 of the San Luis Chess World Championship is over and we have already seen some great action!

What a game Anand played with black pieces! He coolly neutralized all of Judit's kingside attack and launched a crushing counter attack of his own on her weak queen side. This is Anand at his majestic best. He reminds me more and more of Karpov. I hope he carries this form throughout the tournament.

Round 2 today features another game that is not to be missed. Topalov versus Anand. Topalov has been the player to watch in recent times. He does not know the meaning of safe play and his aggressive style has won him fans all over. He also won his game with Leko yesterday after Leko blundered in a won position. My prediction for this game is that these two high calibre players would not want to risk anything against each other at this stage and would be happy to play for a draw.

Chessgames is covering the game live. I will be kibitzing there along with many others. So join me to witness what promises to be a great encounter.

Go Vishy!

Go Vishy!

The World Chess Championship in San Luis begins today, September 28, 2005, in San Luis, Argentina. This tournament probably features 8 of the strongest active chess players. I am going to be glued to the Internet, watching the games in real time.

This could be anybody's tournament. Anand, Topalov and Leko seem to have a slight edge over the others. However, you cannot write anyone off. A tournament of this strength happens rerely and you can expect some dazzling chess. Anyone who has the chance to witness this event should do so.

I hope they can have an agreement to have the winner play Kramnik for the title unification. However, even if Kramnik refuses to play, the winner of San Luis would be considered the real world champion by the majority. Kramnik has slipped down the ratings and has lost credibility as the world champion.

I am rooting for the Indian chess hero, Vishwanathan Anand. He is simply the most spectacular sportsman to emerge out of India. He has been an inspiration to a lot of other Indian talents like Harikrishna, Sasikiran and Koneru Humpy to name a few.

Screw cricket! Go Vishy!

Winds of change...

I recently started a small Internet shop that sells footwear. After reading numerous reports about exploitation of workers in economically struggling countries by companies like Nike and others, I have decided against stocking any products manufactured by these evil corporations. It is high time that consumers are presented with viable alternatives.

I have decided to do business with http://www.nosweatapparel.com. These guys guarantee sweat shop free merchandise that are produced by independent trade unions around the globe.

At the time of writing this blog entry, I am awaiting my first shipment of shoes from No Sweat Apparels.

You can reach my online store at http://stores.ebay.de/Shoe-Shopper.

Latest happenings

I am finally quitting BMW. This elicits a response of surprise from everyone who hears it. Apparantly BMW has a reputation of being one of the best companies to work for in Germany. I hated it! They were the most horrible years of my professional career.

I have joined DePuy now and am loving every minute there. The team is much nicer and work is fun. I have a feeling that this is going to be a very good experience.