Game 8: October 21    Kramnik still ahead - halfway home

Challenger Vladimir Kramnik can be content with another draw, and maintains his one-point lead as the match reaches the halfway mark. But while leading Kasparov in a title match and being comfortably undefeated is usually reason for optimism, Game 8 bore many signs that the balance of power in the match may be about to shift.

For the first time we saw Kasparov win the opening battle, and while it was not a full-fledged bomb that went off, his subtle improvement in a quiet line in the Nimzo-Indian was enough to more than neutralize the advantage of the first move. Kramnik had to tread very carefully to reach a drawn ending, and if Kasparov manages to be the one who unveils surprises in the rest of the match, it is likely only a matter of time before he lands a mortal blow.

The match so far has not been a swashbuckling affair that keeps the average spectator glued to the seat's edge, but there has been plenty of drama and tension. Kramnik leads, but he has reason to regret not having a bigger plus score.

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

Current score: 4-1/2 - Kasparov 3-1/2