WCH 2010: Anand fights back, levels score 1-1

What a fightback by Anand in Sofia.
Having lost the first game rather tamely, the World Champion struck back immediately to beat Veselin Topalov in 43 moves at the Central Military Club in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Having lost the first game, Anand had to strike back to maintain his chances. A 2-0 deficit would have been difficult to overcome in a short match with just 12 games. The pressure was immense on the Madras Tiger. It was his first game with white pieces and everyone was eager to see what opening he would choose. e4 or d4, would he surprise Topalov with some new tactics, like he stumped Vladimir Kramnik by the choice of his opening.
The victory did give an indication of Anand's tactics for the remaining part of the match.
He will play on topalov's patience in this match. Anand will play solidly and force Topalov to take the risks as he usually does.
He tried this on Sunday, played solidly, developed his pieces superbly and kept Topalov under pressure throughout. The Bulgarian took the risk and went on a premature attack with his knight and that helped Anand break through his defences. Anand got two connected passed pawns and though Topalov tried to neutralise his advantage, Anand's pieces were too well developed for his Bulgarian rival to repulse the attack.
Now that he has wrested back the initiative, Anand will have to consolidate his position, be patient and don't get tounted by the Bulgarians, who will ratchet up the pressure by their statements.
Watch out for some fireworks on the rest day!