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Round 8 (March 8)
Kramnik-Kasparov 0.5-0.5
Khalifman-Leko 0.5-0.5
Shirov-Anand 0.5-0.5
Standings: 1-2.Kasparov & Kramnik
5.0 3.Khalifman 4.0 4-5.Leko & Shirov 3.5 6.Anand 3.0
Kramnik vs Kasparov
Kramnik was clearly looking to decide
the tournament in this game. With white he quickly swung his queen over to the
kingside and proceeded to advance his pawns. Kasparov answered by bringing his
own queen into the game and grabbing the "poisoned" pawn on b2. This
effectively distracted Kramnik from pursuing his kingside attack, but the
World number three was able to maintain his initiative by playing in the
centre.
I'm sure most mortals would have crumbled
in Kasparov's place, but the WCC Champion managed to find the best moves
even though he was running seriously short of time.
View Kramnik-Kasparov
Khalifman vs Leko
The many viewers who had logged on to ICC to
follow this game obviously couldn't believe what they were seeing, as
Khalifman effectively beat Leko to a pulp in his favourite Grünfeld.
Even when Khalifman was the exchange up, a lot of GM's refused to realise
that the ultra-solid Hungarian was going down like a ton of bricks.
However, when the FIDE Champion finally managed
to force an easily won pawn ending, even die-hard Leko fans were forced to admit
that their invincible hero was toast.
So what do you know? Khalifman does have
the punching power do deck these guys!
View Khalifman-Leko
Shirov vs Anand
Not a very exciting game. Shirov tried to get a
little action going against the boring Petroff (Yes, I agree. This
opening should be banned.), but Anand restricted himself to playing strong,
sensible moves. Instead of banging his head against the wall, Shirov decided to
call it a day after only 23 moves.
View Shirov-Anand
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