Chess
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Veselin Topalov won first prize in Madrid after a nail-biting play-off with Alexei Shirov. The two had ended the tournament level on 61/2 points from nine games, then played two 20-minute games for the trophy. When both were drawn, they moved on to a six-minutes-for-White, five-minutes- for-Black decider, with Topalov declared winner after he had drawn the game with Black. Other scores: Belyavsky and Shirov 51/2; Illescas, Short and Polgar 41/2; Salov 31/2; Piket 21/2; San Segundo 11/2.
The diagram sets the scene for the biggest disaster of the event. Salov, playing White against Polgar, was pushing hard for a win. There followed: 1.Kf3 Re5 2.Rb8+ Kf7 3.Rb7+ Ke6 4.Be3 Rf5+ 5.Ke4 Re5+ 6.Kd3 Rd1+ 7.Kc4 Re4+ 8.Kb5 Rd7 9.Rb6+ Kd5 10.b4 Ree7 11.Ra6 Rb6+ 12.Ka5 Rec7 13.Ra8 Kc4 14.Bc5 Rc6!
Suddenly, the tables are turned. The threat is 15...Rb5+ 16.Ka4 Rcxc5! 17.bxc5 Rb1 and Black wins! Salov played 15.Bf8 but after 15...Rb5+ 16.Ka4 Rb8! he resigned: 17.Rxb8 Ra6 is mate.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments