Topalov gambles a piece for the title – LIVE update

This is the position after 33…f5

White is Topalov and Black is Sasikiran. Sasikiran is leading by 1/2 point and Topalov needs a win to get at least a share of first place! Would you take Black or White in this position? White to move.

Sasikiran blundered on move 38 by playing Qe7??. The correct move would have been 38…Qxd4 =

However, Topalov blundered on move 44 with Qxe7+. He is still better but it is much harder to convert. The best move would have been 44. Qxb6! and basically game over!

Sasikiran had to keep the Knight on the board to make things more complicated. Once the Knight is off the board, it is over. Black cannot stop the 3 connected passed pawns, even with Bxb5 and getting a Queen himself.

Kamsky is having a hard time against Adams but he has drawing chances. Even so, that would give Topalov a clear first win again! This is after he was basically in last place at the beginning of the event. Once again, Topalov is earning his money in the second half.