Game 14: October 31    Kramnik's nerve frays but holds

While most people had written Kasparov off, he mounted in many ways his best bid to win a game in this match as Kramnik's nerves once again showed signs of fraying. The white pieces proved no advantage and Kasparov gradually gained the upper hand as the challenger's proximity to the title seemed to rob him completely of the ability to find a coherent plan.

As in his previous game with white, Kramnik found himself a pawn down and short of time, but with defeat finally staring him in the face, he produced his patented defensive skills again, and just managed to steer play into a tenable rook ending.

While it is easy to say that if Kramnik can weather these self-imposed storms and still draw there really is no hope at all for Kasparov to salvage his title by closing out the match with two wins.

On the other hand, if Kasparov finally manages to convert the white pieces into a win on Tuesday, then the entire match hinges on one game. And can a title debutant be certain of staying calm under those most extreme circumstances?

White Vladimir Kramnik (2770) 1/2-1/2 Black Gary Kasparov (2849)

Current score: Kramnik 8 - Kasparov 6