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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...

Is there any consistency to the effect that a World Championship has on all team members, seconds and all? Have any of you noticed a pattern at the last one and the ones before that? One thing's for sure. The winning horse's team is moving full steam ahead on the FIDE ratings chart list. In the immediate few months of the match, Kasimdzhanov has broken the 2700 mark for the first time, Ganguly has entered the top 100 for the first time, Wojtaszek is back to around where he was at his peak. Anand at least has the crown ;) maybe not enough points gain. Kramnik is the only player against the grain. He's overcome the slump of the loss of points at the match and shot past it now on the live list. His team mates though do not fare as well. Rublevsky, Fressinet, and Leko have lost or are more or less at the same level. Any of you noticed any such pattern in the previous matches? Will post again with your observations.

So who will you be watching ? US rooting for Kamsky we know, India for Anand. Topalov and Kramnik have global appeal too of course. Any predictions ?