Anand blunders to hand over first game to Topalov

M Jagadish
Game 1 Topalov vs Anand. Photo © http://www.europe-echecs.com

Topalov punished an inexcusable error at this level to crush World Champ Anand in the first game of the World Championship match being held at Sofia.

Anand played his moves quickly and reached a complex middle game that was just what Topalov was hoping for. Anand had to defend precisely to emerge unscathed, but he overlooked a knight sacrifice that Topalov did not miss. Topalov polished Anand off in just 30 moves in what was expected to be a thriller of a match.

From Anand's point of view, he has white pieces and is expected to go all out and uncork some novelty since otherwise, he will be in an uncomfortable position.

It is always intriguing to see how top players rattle off early moves but don't know where to stop. Is the pace of the early moves and the home prep counter productive sometimes? Anand tried to shake Topalov with the Grunfeld that he's never used against him, but Topalov seems to be ultra sharp and ready for all Anand's tricks. Anand truly has his task cut out.