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Chess
The win gives Leko a 2-0 lead in the four-game match for the right to face Einstein world champion Vladimir Kramnik of Russia in a match early next year. Leko, with Black, got an early advantage and appeared to be heading for victory, but let his edge slip. Topalov then made an ill-fated decision to decline a draw and went down to defeat. Leko played the Sveshnikov Variation of the Sicilian Defence, and repeated the novelty he used successfully against Alexei Shirov of Spain in the semifinals. After that game, Leko explained, ``Black has good counterplay on the queenside'' to compensate for his weakened kingside. Topalov promptly varied from that game and opened lines on the kingside. Although White's kingside attack looked dangerous, Leko was able to parry and it was soon clear that he had the advantage despite having ceded a pawn. On move 26, Armenian Grandmaster Arshak Petrosian, who is also Leko's father-in-law, said black had the upper hand. ``White may have an extra pawn but Black's pieces are very active,'' he said. Leko also had a passed d-pawn, which he proceeded to push forward aggressively. On move 40, Topalov let the d-pawn through and had to give up a piece. Still, Leko's kingside pawns were split and Topalov had a queenside pawn majority. A few moves later, GMs Joel Lautier and Loek van Wely, one of Topalov's seconds, found a way for White to draw. Topalov, however, did not see it. Leko then proceeded to play inaccurately, playing dubious moves on move 49 and 51, and suddenly his advantage had evaporated. Topalov's queen and rook were able to generate enough pressure against the black king to ensure a draw. Leko also ran into time trouble during the second time control, having only six minutes for his last nine moves. On move 56, Topalov had a perpetual check and instant draw, but turned it down to the amazement of observers. Things quickly went downhill for Topalov. His 59th move was a blunder and he was forced to give up his queen for Leko's rook and knight. . — AP
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