[imagefield_assist|fid=3642|preset=frontpage_200x200|lightbox=true|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=200]Once again, Anand was able to stifle Topalov's advantage of the white pieces, and the World Champion was able to draw, once again, relatively easily with black. The players repeated the moves from game 3 until move 15 (always repeat) until Anand deviated with 15...h5 instead of his earlier 15...h6. Black was never in any real danger, and Anand may have even been better when peace was negotiated.
Anand gets white the next two games, and Topalov really needs to draw both games if he is to stay in the match. The match has seen a real turnaround since the crushing Topalov gave Anand in game 1. Perhaps Anand's more extensive match experience is an immense help against such strong opposition.
In other news.... GM Hikaru Nakamura has found a home in Saint Louis! His excellent annotations to game 4 can also be found on the CCSCSL website, and he is a VERY welcome addition to the Saint Louis community.
I, on the other hand, have my own good news. Since working out and eating better over the last 3.5 months, I have lost 34 pounds! I have a lot further to go, but, I am confident I will get there and stay there for the long run!
The U.S. Chess Championship starts in 2 weeks, and the field features 21 GMs and 3 IMs! Wish me luck, and also to Hikaru, as we both want the winner to be a Saint Louis resident.
[pgn|pgn=>>|white=Topalov, V.|black=Anand, V.]
* image courtesy wikimedia user Stefan64
