Past Events - 2005

New World Champion Vaselin Topalov

Bulgarian Super GM Vaselin Topalov won yet another major event of the year, and this time it is World Championship Tournament held in San Luis, Argentina! Topalov took the solo lead from 3rd round and he finished undefeated with 10 points, a convincing 1.5 points ahead of runner-up Viswanathan Anand who won the tie break over Peter Svidler, both at 8.5 points each. From this year's performance we can undoubtedly say that Topalov is currently the strongest player in the world. [PGN Games]

Mtel Masters 2005, Sofia, Bulgaria.

Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria won the Mtel Masters, 12-22 May 2005, Sofia, on his home territiory in Bulgaria. The category 20 event (average rating 2747) featured six of the world's top-20 players. The tournament was unusual in its restrictions on draw offers. The official site, MtelMasters.com explains, 'The players should not talk during the games; additionally they should not offer draws directly to their opponents. Draw offers will be allowed only through the Chief Arbiter in three cases: a triple repetition of the position, a perpetual check and in theoretically drawn positions.' Of the 30 games, 12 were decisive, and the 18 draws were mostly hard fought. [PGN Games]

Changes to the FIDE Laws

There have been some minor changes of wording in the FIDE's new Laws of Chess. Some notable changes have took place in the following section:

Articles: 1.2.; 3.1; 3.9, 4.4 (d); 4.6; 6.12; 8.1; 8.4; 10.2 (b); 12.2 (b); 12.3; 13.7 (b).

Appendices: B1; B6; B8; C1; C2; D1; E1; E13; F2 1.

For more information please go to the homepage and click on the FIDE Laws.

Linares SuperGM, 2005

Garry Kasparov has won the Linares SuperGM 2005 tournament. With the six leading players of the world the 22nd version of Linares SuperGM tournament held in Spain from 23rd Feb. to 10th March. In this edition the Organizing Committee was on the verge of bringing together the first six players in the Rating list, plus the local player Paco Vallejo, excellently placed in the 19th position list. However, after originally accepting his invitation, Kramnik declined it and the present FIDE World Champion, Rustam Kasimdzhanov was included in his place. These 7 player's average rating 2743 placed the tournament at Category XX, similar to the last three editions. [PGN Games]

Final Standings:

1. Kasparov, Garry      g RUS 2804 8.0
2. Topalov, Veselin     g BUL 2757 8.0
3. Anand, Viswanathan   g IND 2786 6.5
4. Leko, Peter          g HUN 2749 6.0
5. Adams, Michael       g ENG 2741 5.5
6. Vallejo, Francisco   g ESP 2686 4.0
7. Kasimdzhanov, Rustam g UZB 2678 4.0

Garry Kasparov announces his Retirement

After winning the Linares SuperGM 2005, World's number one chess player has declared his retirement from professional chess. Kasparov indicates his dispute with FIDE as the reason behind this retirement. In presence of his mother Clara Kasparova, this legendary player declares to the press:

"I am retiring from professional chess because I don't understand the behaviour of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) during the last two years; it seems to me that they have been using my name for commercial purposes while at the same time they are more interested in other persons", he declared emotionally.

"I retire precisely here, because the Linares is the best event in the world. No other event has maintained such continuity and a high category".

"My nerves have have not resisted the last two days, in which I have played with Anand and Topalov, knowing that I wouldn't be playing again with these great professionals in top-level tournaments anymore".

Corus 2005, Wijk aan Zee, NED

Peter Leko has won the 67th Corus Tournament held in Wijk aan Zee, Nederlands. He clinches Corus Title from Viswanathan Anand. Vishy Anand lost a chance to be a Joint Winner when he drew his last game with Ivan Sokolov. [PGN Games]

Final Standings

3rd Parsvnath International Open, 2005

In the 3rd Parsvnath International Open 2005, India, GM Krishnan Sasikiran (IND) edged fellow countryman GM Abhijit Kunte for the top spot . Both the top seeds finished with 9.0 points, and Sasikiran took the title with a better tie-break. The top two seeds pocket Rs. 125000 each for their week long efforts.

Finishing in the second spot at 8.5 points were, IM Enamul Hossain (BAN), IM S Satyapragyan (IND), IM Anton Filippov (UZB), GM Dmitry Kayumov (UZB) and K Ratnakaran (IND). 283 players of different countries took part in this eleven round Swiss event.