where is anand in these ??

topolov is to emotionaly scarred after losing the final game of the world chess championships in 2010 to anaand - as black. if he comes back , wins candidates, beats anand in a series rematch that would be remarkable but i doubt it. same with kramnik from 2008. its aronians turn.

I think Aronian will win this, but nothing is certain with such a strong field. If he can keep playing as he has done lately he has to be the favorite. I don't think Topalov has a chance. At least he has step up considerably I he should have any hope of winning. Kramnik... Hmm, maybe. But considering the rather high probability of a round ending in rapid games and Kramnik not being as good as some of the others in rapids I wouldn't expect him to win. A player that might surprise is Grischuk. In good periods he can play fantastic chess. In bad periods... his play is rather modest. If Carlsen participated I would still pick Aronian as the favorite. He just have that extra edge due to experience. And if Aronian should win I will be looking forward to a fantastic match between him and Anand. And my prediction of the winner would be: Aronian!

I could of voted for B Fischer the grumpy bum but there was no option.

Topalov

I think the players will also have to sharpen their rapid skills, b'coz in the case of a tiebreak, a rapid match (25min+30sec increment permove) is going to decide the winner.

A+ for humor Raskolnikov!  I wouldn't mind being in the "nerd" Aronian's shoes!  There is little doubt in my mind that he will be the 2012 WCC challenger, and I believe he would be even if he had to get through Carlsen.  Aronian has, quite simply, been around longer, both in life and in professional chess, and that added experience is indispensible in championship match play.  Not sure if he will beat Anand, but it will be close!

where is carlsen?

nobodies beating anand whoever wins..... but why isnt carlsen participating? and i think aronian will win

I've voted for Aronian but I would enjoy the young Radjabov win.

Topalov and Kramnik will never challenge Anand again. They are passed their prime and Topalov will never recover psychologically. It would have been Aronian or Carlsen and without the wonderboy Aronian will be the next challenger.

If only Carlsen was participating...

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