Malicious rumours that Kramnik’s being helped by Topalov

I can’t resist translating part of the introduction to Sergey Shipov’s on-line commentary on the Morozevich-Kramnik game.

Alexander is traditionally loved by the public as an unusual and extremely belligerent chess player. Vladimir at this tournament has also been remarkably aggressive.

There are even malicious rumours that he’s being helped by Topalov – who’s given his “charge” some of his furious desire to win… In any case, there’s an attractive struggle ahead! I’m sure that today will be the day when the dam of draws finally bursts. Who’ll be the new Rambo? Who’ll spill the first blood? Time will tell…

Originally posted here.

1. Kramnik: “If Topalov becomes champion it will be a disaster for chess”
2. Shipov’s preview of Anand-Topalov
3. Classical Anand, Romantic Topalov
4. Topalov: “if someone’s looking to create a provocation they’ll always find something”
5. Topalov on Kramnik and the Russians