Kramnik vs Leko Brief notes on game 3.
Another good day for Kramnik who talks to journalists after game 3. Photo © Roberto Lampertico
Leko,P (2741) - Kramnik,V (2770) [C42]
WCh Brissago SUI (3), 28.09.2004
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.0-0 Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 0-0 10.Nc3 Bf5 11.a3 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Nc6 13.Re1 Re8 14.cxd5 Qxd5 15.Bf4 Rac8 16.c4 Qe4 17.Be3
17...Qc2N Up until this point the moves were played at great speed. Now Leko fell into a long thought. [ 17...Bf6 18.Ra2 or ( 18.Rc1 have been played before.) ] 18.d5 Na5 19.Nd4 Qxd1 20.Rexd1 [ 20.Raxd1 looks like an alternative if white wants to continue.] 20...Bd7 21.Bd2 Bf6 22.Bxa5 Bxd4 23.Rxd4 Rxe2
The position is absolutely equal. 1/2-1/2
New approach from Leko? Photo © Roberto Lampertico
Roberto Lampertico reports that In the press conference after the game Leko appeared helpless and a bit angry. He said that during the game he believed it was like having the Black pieces. He has followed the opening ideas of very strong players (he nominated Garry Kasparov) to no avail. From now on - he said - "I will play my own moves." Kramnik looked very self confident.