So we finally know the identity of Anand’s new challenger. As good as Boris Gelfand is, I think it’s fair to say that Vishy won’t exactly be quaking in his boots. After all, with Mr. Gelfand at #16 in the world rankings, it’s the equivalent of Rafael Nadal facing Richard Gasquet in a Grand Slam Final. And all of this is a shame, because The Blues Brothers is one of my favourite films.
Boris Gelfand, World #16
The manner of Gelfand’s qualification – and of the competition as a whole – has been the subject of much debate, the short comfortable draws being the main bone of contention. But you won’t find any complaints from this end. I actually find it very pleasing that the world elite have finally made the considered decision to play like Robert Bellin.
The databases have the final move of the Bellin game wrong. Rather than .. Bf6, Bd6 was played. After f5 (offers draw), I can take on h2 in an unclear manner. Rybka doesn't want the h pawn, suggesting instead that Rfe8 gives Black a three-quarter pawn advantage.
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