Topalov wins in Dos Hermanas
After Shirov was knocked out by Vallejo, it was Topalov time. First he defeated Polgar 2.5-1.5 on Saturday, and then he was too strong for Vallejo in the final on Sunday: also 2.5-1.5First let's check the games from the second semi-final, between Topalov and Polgar:In the final it went wrong for Vallejo already in the first game. Then, just like against Shirov, he played very well but it wasn't enough.Here are some interesting quotes from the press conference afterwards:Topalov:"I'm not especially interested in making peace with Kramnik, because I'm not obliged to anything with him. It isn't necessary to be friends with your rivals to play them.?¢‚Ǩ??¢‚Ǩ?ìThe openings I played at this tournament were especially chosen not to give away anything to Kamsky, because later this year we'll play the final of the Candidates Matches for the World Championship of 2009. This way he won't have any clue as to prepare for it.?¢‚Ǩ??¢‚Ǩ?ìThe key to my victory was the first game, when I could profit from a mistake by Vallejo. Then a few times he came very close, but I was able to defend against his punches.?¢‚Ǩ?Vallejo:?¢‚Ǩ?ìI think I dreamt about an airport last night. I was on my way to Bulgaria to play the European Championship in Plovdiv. And I was assuming they'd give me a bye (half point) as I would surely not make it in time for the first round.?¢‚Ǩ??¢‚Ǩ?ìI was mistaken about the move order in the first game. It wasn't my intention to allow Topalov's sacrifice. The correct move order is shown in the third game. In general I think I played quite well, but my opponent played even better. What can you do??¢‚Ǩ?
The venue with Friday's match Shirov-Vallejo
Judit Polgar: not more than a supporting act this time
Saturday's press conference with Topalov and Polgar (and journalist Leontxo Garcia)...
...that attracted many journalists and spectators
The final of 2008
Favorite Topalov didn't disappoint the fans
But Vallejo must be satisfied as well
The press conference after the final
The prize giving
Links:
- "This weekend: Dos Hermanas"
- "Logistical problem for Vallejo"
- Tournament website
- Games in PGN
Peter Doggers joined a chess club a month before turning 15 and still plays for it. He used to be an active tournament player and holds two IM norms. Peter has a Master of Arts degree in Dutch Language & Literature. He briefly worked at New in Chess, then as a Dutch teacher and then in a project for improving safety and security in Amsterdam schools. Between 2007 and 2013 Peter was running ChessVibes, a major source for chess news and videos acquired by Chess.com in October 2013. As our Director News & Events, Peter writes many of our news reports. In the summer of 2022, The Guardian’s Leonard Barden described him as “widely regarded as the world’s best chess journalist.”
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