On The Eve

The Anand-Carlsen World Championship Match is now history, with Magnus wresting the title with the score, 6½-3½. A premonition of the disaster for Vishy was seen in their encounter in Tal Memorial Tournament, Moscow 2013.

Waiting for Nemesis

Here he comes!

“What shall I play?”

“Here we go!”

“Today’s game against Anand was probably our last encounter prior to the World Championship match in November in Chennai, and it attracted quite some attention from the photographers at the start of the round.

Letting him off the hook in a very promising position in our game in Norway Chess last month, I was of course disappointed and I’ve been looking forward to our game today. As white I had a small advantage out of the opening due to the open c-file and his restricted bishop on b7. When he retreated the bishop to c8, the position was already uncomfortable for black.

The f3-e4 break was advantageous exactly because of the game continuation with the immediate d5-break after he exchanged pawns on e4. He had probably missed the Bh3 resource winning back the pawn and creating a dangerous passed pawn. After another inaccuracy or two his position was totally cramped. My e-pawn will finish the game, and he resigned on move 29. I’m very happy to have played quickly and confidently, but I got a lot of help from my opponent today. I expect V.Anand to show his true strength in November” – Carlsen

Carlsen, Magnus (2864) – Anand, Viswanathan (2786)

Tal Memorial Tournament, Moscow 2013

Click here for pgn download.

A polished performance by Magnus.

Sadly, Vishy played as if he was doomed.

Credits:

1. The images here are from the official site of Russian Chess Federation.

Special Thanks to Mr.Vladimir Barsky and Ms Eteri Kublashvili who captured these wonderful pictures.