Of course, Short has played numerous games against Karpov, and remains the only player, apart from Kasparov, to beat Karpov in a match. I guess one cannot play someone of Karpov's class so many times without something of his style rubbing off. Short's first round game at Poikovsky, against the strong Russian GM Rublevsky, was one of which little Tolya himself would have been proud. Looking at the endgame reached after move 33, it is hard to believe that Black is actually lost, but it's no easier to pinpoint where he went wrong - precisely what used to happen to Karpov's opponents in days gone by.
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
In little Tolya's style
Britain's Nigel Short is currently playing in the Karpov tournament in Poikovsky, Siberia. This event, established with the 12th world champion's patronage some years ago, is always a strong all-play-all, and one of the best events in Russia.
Of course, Short has played numerous games against Karpov, and remains the only player, apart from Kasparov, to beat Karpov in a match. I guess one cannot play someone of Karpov's class so many times without something of his style rubbing off. Short's first round game at Poikovsky, against the strong Russian GM Rublevsky, was one of which little Tolya himself would have been proud. Looking at the endgame reached after move 33, it is hard to believe that Black is actually lost, but it's no easier to pinpoint where he went wrong - precisely what used to happen to Karpov's opponents in days gone by.
Of course, Short has played numerous games against Karpov, and remains the only player, apart from Kasparov, to beat Karpov in a match. I guess one cannot play someone of Karpov's class so many times without something of his style rubbing off. Short's first round game at Poikovsky, against the strong Russian GM Rublevsky, was one of which little Tolya himself would have been proud. Looking at the endgame reached after move 33, it is hard to believe that Black is actually lost, but it's no easier to pinpoint where he went wrong - precisely what used to happen to Karpov's opponents in days gone by.
