Rd. 1 - GM Magnus Carlsen vs. GM Veselin Topalov

Written and annotated by GM Alejandro Ramirez.

 

We witnessed a spectacular series of fireworks in the Carlsen-Topalov game. Carlsen sacrificed a piece for two pawns and an initiative, but the Bulgarian was unfazed. Topalov defended well, Carlsen continued to be aggressive, but it was to no avail. The attack never crashed through, and the pawns were not enough compensation for the extra piece. In a big time scramble Topalov won with his extra material.