Vladimir Kramnik — Veselin Topalov
Kramnik seizes the initiative with white in Rapid Tiebreak Game 2. His Catalan creates lasting structural pressure, and Topalov commits a significant inaccuracy on move 29 that allows Kramnik to create a passed pawn. Kramnik converts the endgame with clean technique in 42 moves and takes a crucial lead of 1½–½ in the rapid tiebreak.
Catalan — Kramnik's most reliable opening in fast time controls; he knows the resulting structures better than almost anyone in the world.
Topalov's inaccuracy on move 29 allows Kramnik to create a passed pawn on the queenside — a small but ultimately decisive advantage at this level.
Kramnik converts the endgame with clean technique; his lead of 1½–½ means he now needs only a draw in the remaining two rapid games to become world champion.