Vladimir Kramnik — Veselin Topalov
Topalov strikes back decisively from the black side. Kramnik enters a complex middlegame but allows a powerful knight outpost to emerge on d3 on move 18 — a permanent positional concession that proves fatal. The resulting bind tightens inexorably until Kramnik's position collapses on move 50. Score tied again at 4–4.
Kramnik's 18th move allows a knight to reach d3 — a permanent outpost dominating the centre of the board that Kramnik can never dislodge.
Topalov's technique in converting the positional advantage is flawless; he methodically improves every piece while Kramnik's remain passive.
Kramnik's king becomes exposed in the simplified endgame; he resigns on move 50 as the combined threats of the d3 knight and the advancing c-pawn become decisive.