Game 3 Drawn In Sofia

Gata Kamsky (pictured) had a much better time of it in game 3 of this 8-game match with the world's number 1 rated player, Veselin Topalov.

Playing black, the American again used his favourite defence to 1.d4, the double-edged Grunfeld.  Topalov varied from game 1 by trying the 4.Qb3 variation, but this time it was Kamsky's turn to unleash a novelty, sacrificing a pawn to speed his development.

Despite an early exchange of Queens, the ensuing middle-game was highly tactical, but accurate play from both sides eventually ensured that a drawn ending was reached.

So, a much better game for Kamsky and perhaps even more significantly, he handled the clock far better.  Game 4 is on Saturday and Kamsky will have the white pieces again.  In fact, the order of colours changes at halfway, so Kamsky will also have White in game 5 on Monday.  A win in either game would throw the match back wide open, but a loss could seal his fate.

The official match website can be found here.