Date:14/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/14/stories/2005101402621900.htm

Sport - Chess

Still a lot at stake for the players

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Now that it is almost certain that Veselin Topalov will be new champion of the chess world, the focus has shifted to what each of the eight participants will be playing for in the remaining two rounds of the World chess championship at San Luis.

When the action resumes on Thursday, after a day of rest, the outgoing World champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov gets one last chance to hurt Topalov.

Going by the daringly positive approach the Uzbek, one can expect a fierce battle and hopefully a decisive one since he would be keen to avenge the loss suffered in the seventh round. After all, no player likes his title taken away without a fight. Topalov, on the other hand, would like to come out unscathed and make sure that Bulgaria becomes the first country, after Russia, to simultaneously hold the men's and women's world titles.

To settle a score

Last year, Antoaneta Stefanova won the ladies crown. With the battle for the runner-up slot, worth $200,000, between Viswanathan Anand and Peter Svidler promising a lot of excitement, the matches involving these players are bound to attract a lot of attention. Anand plays white against Alexander Morozevich and gets an opportunity to settle a score after the rare loss in the seventh round.

Points position (after 12 rounds): 1. Veselin Topalov (Bul) (9); 2-3. Peter Svidler (Rus), Viswanathan Anand (Ind) (7.5 each); 4. Alexander Morozevich (Rus) (6); 5-6. Rustam Kasimdzhanov (Uzb), Peter Leko (Hun) (5 each); 7. Michael Adams (Eng) (4.5); 8. Judit Polgar (Hun) (3.5).

13th round pairings: Kasimdzhanov-Topalov; Anand-Morozevich; Judit-Svidler; Adams-Leko.