PREDICTIONS: Anand-Kramnik
Reb, that's a good point about Kramnik. Although I can understand not wanting to give Topalov a rematch (after his disturbing antics last year), it was a travesty to deny one to Kasparov, which was not classy at all.
I want Anand to win. He is a great player.
But if I have to put my money on the match.. probably I would put them on Sramnik.
I don't think I could ever bet against Kramnik in a match, but it's not so easy to bet against Anand right now either.
However, one thing is for sure... when it's over... Kramnik will say "This was a very difficult match, much more difficult than my match with Kasparov."
In my opinion, Kramnik definitely has the higher chances against almost anybody if it comes down to a match. Kramnik has a very extensive match background, and if I may add, a rather successful one at that. Having won against Kasparov, Leko and now Topalov in matches, he has much more experience. While his tournament record is less impressive than Anand's, he will undoubtely have at least equal chances in a match. Of course, World Champion Anand is not to be underestimated too. Looking at the way his rating is fluctuating around to 2780-2810 region, we can easily tell that Anand is at the peak of his chess career. To say Kramnik can TOPple Anand as he did TOPalov would be a mere lie. The match will definitely be a most exciting and tough one, with Anand battling his wits against Kramnik's vast experience.
Anyway, some interesting analysis done on whether Kramnik would win against Topalov for the last reunification world championship match is just below, go have a look and see how the result was predicted by chess analysts!
http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=3324
All right, let's get everybody's thoughts on this match. Who do you think will win?
Anand is the best tournament player today, BUT Kramnik is the best match player. He's also extremely tough mentally. Since matches are so much different than tournaments, and since the World Championship will obviously be decided in a match, I'd have to say that Kramnik will probably win his title back. It will be very close though, and you can never count Vishy out.
Regardless of who wins, I think that this match will be good for the game of chess. These guys are two very classy GM's who will give the world some very, very good games.