GM Wesley So and GM Sergey Karjakin both began the day at -1 but the duo contributed the only two wins of round five. They were linked in another way -- the two 20-somethings both beat 40-something former world champions. The quartet involved in these games are now all on 2.5/5.

All other games ended drawn, meaning GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov still leads, although the group only a half point back is now half as large.

Karjakin's point came at expense of GM Veselin Topalov. The Bulgarian tried to play a Caro-Kann, which shape-shifted into a French Defense a tempo down after he refused the more standard lines with ...Bf5. However, White had already committed to an early d- for c-pawn exchange.

Black then spent many more tempi acquiring the bishop pair, activating his "French bishop," and even going after the White's final center pawn.

The final indiscretion proved too much and Karjakin punished Topalov for his profligacy. In particular 23. Nxe6! was a nice touch. Abandoning the queen to threaten a double-check mate highlighted the prior need for Topalov to eschew material and find safe harbor for his king. read more...

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