Good luck, Vishy ...

Vishy Anand, the reigning World Chess Champion (combined) will defend his Fide title against Bulgarian Veselin Topalov in what promises to be a bitter fight. The dual is about to start in two weeks and I am sure the chess (and non-chess) world will take keen interest in not just the outcome, but the content of the championship games.

I of course want and expect Vishy to keep his title. It is going to be tough in Sofia, but it's Vishy, you know. I am not sure if it is going to be tougher than October 2008 when Vishy won the title in Germany. I am going to keep my fingers crossed because I am sure he's going to need luck :-).

You can catch up with all the excitement at: anand-topalov.com.

Game 1: 1/2-1/2

Game 1 of the match was drawn with the World Champion having plenty of counter-play after being a pawn down. Vishy played Black and resorted to Exchange Slav.

Here is how it ended.



See (http://chessbase.com/news/2008/bonn/games/bonn01.htm) for the complete game.