Mark Taimanov GM Mark Taimanov annotates the games of the 1/4 final:


World Chess Championship
December, 5, 2001
The central event of the first day of the 1/4 final was, certainly, duel the irreconcilable contenders V. Anand - A. Shirov , where partners have played one of the basic variations of the Russian defence. Times, when this opening was considered as a harbinger of peaceful negotiation have passed. Modern grandmasters have managed to find in it absolutely other contents determining mutualsharp active plans of the parties. And today between the connoisseurs of this opening already with itself beginnings has inflamed uncompromised battle. To theoretical duel by first Anand has brought novelty. On 15-th move in the well known variation he instead of habitual 15.f4 (as, by the way, he played also in the game vs. Leko in beginning of this year in Spain) has applied manoeuvre 15. Qc2 with idea to undermine pawn's outpost of the opponent in the centre. Not in spirit of Shirov to go on the compromises, and he has decided to oppose to the plan of the contender by the active counter-play. The Shirov's idea not only seemed, that is interesting, but also very promised, however by the strong move 21.e5! it was possible for Anand to find adequate objection - it was not possible for Black to open line "f", and his pieces have appeared are separated. Skilfully stopping tactical attempts of the partner to make active game, Anand, superb maneuvering by light pieces (especially impresses a route of the knight g1-f3-e5-g4-f2-d3-f4-e6!), completely has taken possession of the initiative and has compelled the contender to go on material concessions. A technical phase of struggle the World Champion has carried out excellently and small means has managed to create direct attack on the Black king. Alive reproach for Shirov has remained a6-knight, which and could not be connected to events of scale fight...

On background of this fascinating game other duels of the day have remained in shadows. Was felt, that playing by Black P. Svidler, E. Bareev and V. Ivanchuk not put before themselves of ambitious tasks, and rate taken by them on neutralization any active rush of the contenders, completely has justified itself.

Gelfand in Catalan opening has tried to create characteristic for this opening the pressing on the semiopen vertical, but by the precise manoeuvres Svidler has achieved a number of the important simplifying exchanges which have resulted in peace hand shake already after 23 moves.

The French duel R. Ponomariov - Bareev lasted no longer. In the firm variation Bareev though has gone on some concessions in the centre, but has kept sufficient freedom for mobilization of the forces, that has allowed him to cause large-scale exchange of the pieces. A drawn game on 27th move.

And, at last, same friendly tone have supported J. Lautier with V. Ivanchuk .

Probably, stress of resolute actions the six of the 1/4finalists have preferred to displace up to " of the best times ".