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Topalov!

Topalov!

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Ever since Topalov's despicable behavior in Elista I have been delighted to observe his more or less consistent lackluster performances as a sort of justice. But now in Bilbao, Spain he is showing that he is still a formidable chess player. His opponents are the strongest current players other than Kramnik, and he's in the lead: http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=4892

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Originally posted by Wulebgr
Ever since Topalov's despicable behavior in Elista I have been delighted to observe his more or less consistent lackluster performances as a sort of justice. But now in Bilbao, Spain he is showing that he is still a formidable chess player. His opponents are the strongest current players other than Kramnik, and he's in the lead: http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=4892
I think today's win could be considered a "mistake", because probably it was just a hole in Anand's opening preparation. Topalov is the kind of player that always will have these peaks from time to time, but never in his life will be steadily at the level of Kramnik. and yes, I just hate the guy. 🙂

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Originally posted by diskamyl
I think today's win could be considered a "mistake", because probably it was just a hole in Anand's opening preparation. Topalov is the kind of player that always will have these peaks from time to time, but never in his life will be steadily at the level of Kramnik. and yes, I just hate the guy. 🙂
level of Kramnik ? this is not very high these days...it looks like Kramnish is already history...

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Originally posted by vipiu
level of Kramnik ? this is not very high these days...it looks like Kramnish is already history...
I think that conclusions about level of Kramnik you will be able to make only after his match with Anand.

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Originally posted by vipiu
level of Kramnik ? this is not very high these days...it looks like Kramnish is already history...
why? you say that based on what?

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If I remember rightly, people have written kramnik off as being a forgone conclusion in every world championship match he has played since Kasparov, and he has always proved them wrong.

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Originally posted by Wulebgr
Ever since Topalov's despicable behavior in Elista I have been delighted to observe his more or less consistent lackluster performances as a sort of justice. But now in Bilbao, Spain he is showing that he is still a formidable chess player. His opponents are the strongest current players other than Kramnik, and he's in the lead: http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=4892
makes sense, the scoring preferring risk takers rather than drawing guys. although I think there was a study proving the same slight advantage even in 'normal' scoring...

then again, there really isn't any 'lekos' in the tournament, so I guess it's an even ground for everyone...

but it's the strongest tournament ever, so success in bilbao proves great things for all who do well. especially carlsen, in case there was any doubts left. the kid can swim.

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Originally posted by Korch
I think that conclusions about level of Kramnik you will be able to make only after his match with Anand.
but the other one is also history 🙂

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Originally posted by diskamyl
why? you say that based on what?
based on his latest tournaments and his chess strength and the real will of playing chess and fight

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Originally posted by vipiu
based on his latest tournaments and his chess strength and the real will of playing chess and fight
Latest tournaments should be viewed in context of his preparation for match with Anand. It`s well known that before matches its not recommended to disclose himself. Also if he is taking part in tournament for training his results definitely will not be so high as if he would take part for tournament result.

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Originally posted by Korch
Latest tournaments should be viewed in context of his preparation for match with Anand.
Indeed.

E.g. many moons ago Nigel Short finished last in Linares just a few weeks before a candidates contest with Karpov ... and went on to become the first man other than Kasparov to beat Karpov in a match.