UPDATE: It just got real.

A really unfortunately timed blog post just then, it turns out. Topalov just played, as my mate Tritty describes it, “a blunder not even my 1500-rated student would make”. I think that’s unnecessarily harsh. Towards 1500’s, that is.

There’s playing ballsy, and then there’s just straight out blundering. I have to say, I’m surprised. Anand is older, more fatigued, and playing in his opponent’s home town – I’d really give the edge to Topalov in the tie-breaks.

But we’re not getting there now. No, Sir.

It’s like a batter walking off the pitch before the bowler bowls the ball. It’s like a goalie going for a drinks break before the opposition take a penalty. It’s like going all-in with 8-high – and showing the table your hand as well.

I don’t know what the explanation is. All I do know is that the psychology of what made Topalov lose it like this will be debated for a long while to come.

I shouldn’t be so preemptive – the game is still in progress, and, as they say, the winner is always the person who blunders last. In any case, I’m not going to bed any time soon.

Stay tuned.