Topalov-Anand : Expect things to get heated up now

Playing in Topalov’s Den: his home nation Bulgaria, Indian and current World chess Champion Vishwanathan Anand is having it easy against his five-year younger opponent. With two wins and two draws in five games Anand has secured a single point lead. With seven games to go, expect some fireworks as both Anand and Topalov raise the bar.

Even after making a 40 hour road journey to Bulgaria in light of the icelandic volcano eruption, Vishy Anand, as he is popularly called, does not seem to be carrying any fatigue. In the past five games, both Topalov and Anand have shown creative game-play and swift moves. But Vishy has held the edge throughout. Topalov, n the other hand has been praised for his tight defence and determination in not surrendering easily to Vishy’s aggressive moves. The third and fifth games, both of which ended as draws are witness to this determination of his.

However, in a dramatic turn of events it was Topalov, who started fiercely with an unexpected win in the first game. Before the tournament, Topalov was quietly confident and bore the “underdog” tag, playing in his home den. He was quoted saying that Anand with his “five plus in age” experience will have an advantage over him. Now, with seven games to play and Topalov one game behind he is truly the underdog. Topalov will have his work cut out and will have to play his skin out to overhaul Vishy.The event being hosted by Topalov’s home nation, Bulgaria, as had some matters at hand. The blackout in the fifth game which lasted for half an hour was embarrassing for the administration. However the beautiful Halls in Sofia – the Military Club, forms a great venue for the event.

With the sixth game getting underway in a matter of hours, expect the heat and intensity to go sky high. The tournament being conducted by FIDE or World Chess Federation, has a prize money of 3,000,000 US $ reserved for the winner. Besides the big money, reputation is at stake and glory will be handed out in abundance.