Much has been written about Vladimir Kramnik's solid style of play - often less than complementary, but if the former World Champion smells blood, he can be a ruthless attacker when the opportunity presents itself.
After all games in round 6 and 7 in Dortmund ended in draws, the clash between Kramnik and leader Carlsen in round 8 produced one the most memorable games of the tournament.
The normally aggressive Norwegian surprisingly chose the solid QGD against Kramnik. Rather than trying to gradually nurse a slight positional advantage into something more significant, Kramnik sacrificed a pawn with 18. f5!?
With Kramnik in unusually pugnacious mood, Carlsen was forced to defend accurately against the onslaught. However, one slip with 25...Qc7 proved costly, as Kramnik blew open the position to either win Carlsen's queen or force checkmate.
Dynamic play from Kramnik to take him to the top of the leaderboard, but a really bad day at the office for Carlsen.
In the other games, Dmitry Jakovenko gradually wore down poor Etienne Bacrot in an energy-sapping 81 moves, and Peter Leko failed to make any progress against last placed Arkadij Naiditsch.
Carlsen's orange juice fails to work it's magic against Kramnik (pic from the official site)
The standings after round 8:
| Kramnik, Vladimir |
RUS |
2759 |
5 |
| Carlsen, Magnus |
NOR |
2772 |
4½ |
| Leko, Peter |
HUN |
2756 |
4½ |
| Jakovenko, Dmitry |
RUS |
2760 |
4½ |
| Bacrot, Etienne |
FRA |
2721 |
3 |
| Naiditsch, Arkadij |
GER |
2697 |
2½ |