Veselin Topalov — Vladimir Kramnik
The penultimate classical game. Topalov needs a win to avoid the tiebreak and presses with all available resources, going for the sharpest Semi-Slav line and sacrificing a pawn for compensation. But Kramnik's defensive play is impeccable — he finds the safest path at every turn and holds the draw. Score 5½–5½; everything rests on Game 12.
Topalov knows that a draw takes him to a tiebreak where Kramnik's classical strengths may be less decisive; he sacrifices a pawn for active piece compensation.
Kramnik's defensive play is impeccable throughout — he finds the safest defensive resource at every critical junction, never allowing Topalov to break through.
After 48 moves, Topalov accepts the draw; the classical match will finish tied and the rapid tiebreak is now inevitable.