Topalov-Kasparov draw
Sokolov-Shirov draw
Short-Morozevich draw
Bareev-Bacrot 1-0
Gurevich-Georgiev draw
Adams-Movsesian draw

Round 4 standings

1-4. Bareev, Kasparov, Morozevich & Shirov 3.0
5. Georgiev 2.5
6-7. Adams & Topalov 2.0
8-9. Bacrot & Sokolov 1.5
10-11. Movsesian & Short 1.0
12. Gurevich 0.5

*****

Topalov vs Kasparov

You have to give Topalov credit: Even when he’s slightly off form, he insists on going for the full point against Kasparov. The Bulgarian got the party going at an early stage by sacrificing a pawn for central domination, and Kasparov had to play very accurately to maintain his balance. I was slightly disappointed when the battle ended in a repetition of moves, but none of the players could deviate without being seriously worse.

Shirov opted for the solid Slav Defence, clearly indicating that he will not be going all out for the full point with black in this event. Sokolov managed to make things interesting by sacrificing a pawn for the two bishops, but Shirov soon decided to give it back in return for a fairly fireproof position.

This game proves that Bacrot is still somewhat lacking in the strategy department. The young Frenchman quickly strayed after Bareev introduced a new move in a well-known variation of the Closed English. A very smooth performance by the Russian.

A sigh of relief, as Gurevich finally manages to get on the scoreboard. The Belgian Ace seemed well on his way to going 0 for 4 in this game, but Georgiev’s famous technique was not up to par on this particular occasion.

He’s drawing when he’s better
He’s drawing when he’s worse
I don’t know what is going on
But it might just be a curse!