Game Of the Week: Kramnik vs. Topalov - European Club Championship

Kramnik vs. Topalov - European Club Championship

Opening: A46: Queen's pawn: Yusupov-Rubinstein system

Player(s): Kramnik, Topalov

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Suddenly there is counterplay for old men in the chess world, as three forty-somethings occupy places two through four in the world rankings. One of them, 40-year-old Vladimir Kramnik, improved his standing with a stellar European Club Championship. Scoring 4.5/5, Kramnik used vintage technique, occasionally taking advantage of overpressing opponents. His highlight win came over his mortal enemy, 40-year-old Veselin Topalov. Quiet opening moves disguised Kramnik's vicious attacking intentions.