9.g3 was a novelty. After that black was on his own. White's advantage didnt seem
very decisive, but I think that black's attempt to offer exchanges backfired rather 
badly (Nh7 for instance). Again T outmanoevred K.

having played the Slav/SemiSlav all my life, never occured to me to try the Black side of 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bf5 5. Nc3 e6 6. Nh4! .. giving up two bishops and getting a weakened pawn structure for absolutely zero compensation is not a good deal at all..
Perhaps Kramnik should have tried 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 Bg4!? which is slightly less-explored and continues the match theme of offbeat-Slav lines. maybe Black is not completely equal there either, but there is room for specific targeted preparation.

Of course Topalov had a chance at 1-3, but whether he'd have done it we'll never know.

It's not a question of regaining focus. Kramnik hasn't got the energy - he's spent it, and there's nothing you can do about that.

I think you misinterpret my comment - I have said time and again I condemn Danailovs actions. I am saying it is up to the Kramnik team to isolate him from press releases etc. (something I think they should have done earlier) and protect their man more. It is clear that the Danailov tactics have had some distracting effect on him, since he had to deal with questions in a press conference related to the Fritz percentages press release - kramnk should never have been put in this position by his team (my opinion). Also as someone said earlier (TopNotch I think) the biggest mistake in the match was made by the Appeals committee, but we wont go through that whole discussion again, I am just trying to be constructive in how Kramnik should handle this situation - you can be sure he himself will not have given up yet!

I would suggest on the contrary. It was naive to suggest at 2-0 down with 10 games to go and having pushed in both those games to win that Topalov had no chance (as I believe TopNotch and a few others claimed).

I think it is also naive to suggest that 1 point down with 3 games to come and 2 Whites that Kramnik has not got a chance to comeback. Talking psychology is all very well but it is up to Kramnik now to reverse the psychology - especially the last couple of games may be very nervy. He left it to the last game against Leko.

Remember Karpov-Kasparov World ch match - karpov won the penultimate game and just needed a draw in the last game. Kasparov must have been devastated but he came back and beat Karpov, a man who rarely loses, in the very last game.

My personal opinion is that Topalov will win, but I am not writing Kramnik off by any means - he has to rise to the occasion though that is for sure, and concentrate solely on the chess. It is up to his team and those around him to help him in this.

Keano wrote on 10/07/06 at 14:28:37:


Based on last two games, to say that Kramnik has any chance of rebounding sounds a bit naive (or disingenuous).  It is plainly apparent that, psychologically, Kramnik is defeated.  A shame as it would have been heroic indeed had he managed to hold his lead and win the match.

terrible opening play by kramnik. suicidal!