Linares round II: Svidler is red-hot

Linares is already seeing a lot of fireworks! In the first round, Svidler decimated the world champion Topalov in a brilliant game. Svidler broke open Topalov's Berlin defense and soon it was lights out. Topalov was trying to defend a lost position for half the game. Svidler has improved leaps and bounds as is evident from his performance over the last few tournaments. He followed it up with a win against Vellejo with the black pieces in round 2 to end up with a perfect score so far.

Leko seems to have found his form as well. He had a dismal 2005 but has started things well this year. He also has a perfect 2.0 so far.

Standings after round 2:

1-2. Leko, Svidler 2.0
3. Ivanchuk 1.5
4-5. Bacrot, Aronian 1.0
6. Topalov 0.5
7-9. Vallejo, Radjabov 0.0

I predict 'Chukkie' Ivanchuk will win the tournament. However, we have a long way to go and anything can happen!