I don't recall Viswanathan Anand playing the English Opening before, was Veselin Topalov's reaction after the 11th game where the Indian surprised everyone by opening the English way.
"I don't recall Viswanathan Anand playing the English Opening before," was Veselin Topalov's reaction after the 11th game where the Indian surprised everyone by opening the English way.
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| Intense: Viswanathan Anand |
The surprise effect was however short-lived as Topalov easily equalised the position and did not bring about the desired victory for Anand as the game ended in a draw after 65 moves. This 11th Game of the World Chess Championship was crucial for Anand as it was the last time in this 12-game match that he was wielding Whites and a victory would have placed him comfortably going into the last game tomorrow after a day's rest. The scores stand at 5.5-5.5 and Topalov happily summed: "It is an advantage to have White in the last game."
The title will go to the player who emerges victor in the 12th game while a draw will lead to the rapid tie-break games on May 13.
Just before the start of the game, a minute's silence was observed in memory of the World's oldest GM Andor Lilienthal who passed away on Saturday at the age of 99. Lilienthal in his chess career had defeated seven World Champions ufffd Emanuel Lasker, Jose Raoul Capablanca, Alexander Alekhine, Max Euwe, Mikhail Botvinnik and Vasily Smyslov.
Anand had opened with the Queen pawn opening in all the previous five occasions when he played with Whites in this match but Topalov appeared to be comfortable and to a certain extent, prepared, for the English Opening and hardly faced any problem nor did he consume much time to gain equality with Whites.
Only once before in his career had Anand tried this opening, many years ago but not really tested it, for it was a quick short draw. Yesterday, the game with some slow manoeuvring moved along sedate lines and very soon a draw looked the most likely outcome.
Anand suddenly showed ambition in going for the kill in the ending by opting for a risky line when both were left with a rook, knight and pawns each.
This too was short-lived as Topalov played precisely, leaving Anand no option but to secure a draw by threatening perpetual checks. However yesterday, Topalov showed no hesitation in agreeing to Anand's peace proposal without consulting the arbiter.
