The World Championship Match in Lausanne started with an extremely exciting tactical encounter. Karpov demonstrated an excellent opening preparation, applying an interesting novelty involving a piece sacrifice. Anand defended very well, and in the moment when the game was already equalized, decided to go for a thrilling double-Rook sacrifice. He foresaw everything except an incredibly powerful Queen counter sacrifice by Karpov.
Anand: “No doubt I am tired, I saw much too late that this rook sacrifice could easily be countered by 29. Rf3”
GAME 2
The second game of the match was pure delight for the spectators. Karpov came out with another opening surprise, equalizing easily with the black pieces. The Chalenger managed to complicate the game and a sharp positional fight ensued. Anand made a mistake in zeitnot and Karpov got a wining position. A 2-0 lead would have almost finished the match, but the Champion missed the winning mechanism and Anand got a decisive attack which he executed perfectly. The score stood equal after two games.
GAME 3
The third game of the match was a slight disappointment for spectators. The protagonists repeated it moves of the Merano variations, as in their first game. Karpov diverted from the main variation on his ninth move. The Challenger was well aware of the nuances of the system, and had no problems equalizing the game quickly. So, a quick draw seemed to be a logical result after two big fights in the previous days.
Karpov: “I wanted to play but unfortunately Anand found a very strong defence”
GAME 4
The result of the fourth game came a major disappointment for the Challenger. Karpov switched to favorite Caro-Kann playing with black. Anand responded with the very controversial Panov’s variation, and even managed to surprise his experienced opponent by a rare 12.h4 aggressive line. The world Champion’s long thought after this move was a clear indication that he was not prepared for his continuation. Karpov came out with a very interesting novelty, solved the opening problems easily, and outplayed his opponent very technically. …
With no chances left, Vishy resigns. The results put him in an extremely difficult situation in the match, and the quality of the play in this game might be explained only by his exhaustion. The man has fought for a month already. The World Champion deserves the highest marks for his play, although it was his first win ever with black against Anand.
GAME 5
The fifth game of the match was a classical, purely positional fight. Karpov switched to the most fashionable line 6. Qc2, 7. Bd3 in the Meran variation. Anand was well prepared, and despite Karpov’s interesting novelty on the 12th move did not have any real trouble equalizing. The Challenger’s inventive play led to a favorable endgame for him, but Karpov managed to neutralize his opponent’s threats and by masterful technique even achieved some advantage in the Rook endgame. Vishy demonstrated good defense, and the draw was a logical result.
GAME 6
The sixth game of the World Championship Match appeared to be the main sensation of the event. It marked the first time that a Challenger won the decisive last game of the match. Anand made a great choice for the opening. The rare Trompovsky attack, a dangerous weapon in the hands of English players like Adams, Miles, Hodgson, was employed by Anand. Karpov has chosen his usual 2…e6 showing that he does not avoid the Big Fight.
In the mind-boggling tactical complications, Anatoly miscalculates and loses the game.
Karpov: “It definitely not because the opening that I lost. I am experienced enough to handle that. I made a very stupide mistake. That’s all.”
Anand: “For the moment I am very happy. Don’t forget I only leveled the scores. There is yet a tie break. But of course, you understand how happy I am that I have managed to that stage.”
