Game 4 Decisive Again! Anand 2.5-Topalov 1.5

The game can be replayed at http://www.anand-topalov.com/en/game4.html

The fourth game of the FIDE World Chess Championship match between Viswanathan Anand of India and Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria saw another Catalan opening on the board. This is the first opening that was played twice in the match, the players are obviously willing to have a theoretical discussion.Topalov was the one to deviate from the second game, as early as on move 5, when he played the sharper Bb4+ instead of a6.Similar to the earlier Catalan game, Black clutched onto the extra pawn while White tried to take advantage of his faster pieces' development.Anand aggressively advanced in the center to break opponent's pawn formation and open up the files and diagonals. At the same time, Topalov was carefully clearing the queenside in order to reduce the positional pressure.The game appeared to be taking a normal course but then Anand's sudden Knight movement (e3-g4) caught Topalov without guard and on the wrong foot.Not hesitating much, Anand knocked a piece sacrifice on h6 and picked a strong attack against the Black King.Still precision was needed in carrying out the assault, but Anand never blinked and found the crushing 25. e5!Topalov continued for a few moves more, but resigned at the imminent danger of a mate. Anand takes the lead in the match 2,5-1,5, tomorrow is a rest day and the games continue on Friday at 15:00.