World Cup final goes to tiebreaks; no-one surprised…

I’m watching the tie breaks of the final of the World Cup between top seed Gelfand and former champion Ponomariov. The first rapid game is entering its final stages, and it’s looking like another inevitable draw.

This follows four relatively quick and, let’s be honest, utterly boring classical games.  I was a little disappointed to see these two make the final, which is not a reflection of their abilities – more an observation on spectator entertainment. Where’s the all-out attacking blood lust? Where are the crazy, unsound openings? Where is the wonder story of the Cup, the junior coming through the ranks, the non-professional besting the elite?!

The first four games were pathetic, from an excitement perspective, but unfortunately not in any way unfamiliar to all too many top level tournament games these days. There are rating points to think of, not to mention the mutual non-spoken agreement of the top level boys’ club. Still, as opposed to other round-robins, at least here there HAS to be a winner, one way or the other.

Even if it means the absurd Armageddon game.

Let’s hope the quicker time controls give us a bit more to oo and ah over. Already, this game (although never looking like anything other than a draw) has gone on longer than all the others. At least they are playing out the moves, looking for that uncharacteristic blunder.

And finally: who to cheer for? It’s a tough one. I think Gelfand to some extent has been a bit unlucky in his lack of actual tournament victories – he often does well, but “always the bridesmaid” as the saying goes. So he’s my ‘pick’ for the moment (although given my track record of predictions, maybe I should just go for the other guy…) Still, either of them could win my support by going out on a limb, just once.

Oh look – all the pieces have been swapped off. Shock! Game 1: Draw.