Chess

Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian chess superstar, has added to his numerous laurels by winning the Tal Memorial in Moscow, ahead of most of the world’s elite. The absentees were Anand and Gelfand, presumably exhausted after their strenuous efforts in the World Championship, also held in Moscow, just before the Tal. Magnus escaped, as if by a miracle, from a couple of lost positions against Kramnik and Morozevich, but ultimately he went through unscathed to seize first prize. Top scores were Carlsen 5½/9; Caruana and Radjabov 5; Morozevich, Aronian and Kramnik 4½. England’s Luke McShane was invited by popular demand and defeated the elite trio of Kramnik, Aronian and Morozevich in this one event, a rare if not unique feat.

The proliferation of short draws in the recently concluded World Championship match has led to some hysterical proposals to adjust the format which decides the supreme title in chess. For the record, Viswanathan Anand of India, the defending champion, retained his title against Boris Gelfand of Israel with ten draws and one win each in the main contest, which was followed by four rapid-play games to break the tie. In the rapid-play games, Anand emerged triumphant with one win and three draws. Many of the draws were of scant interest and minimal duration. That said, over 100 million internet viewers tuned in to watch the one-day play-off. In spite of this, various eminent commentators have suggested ideas to provoke more combative play in the main part of the match.

White to play. This is a variation from Spassky-Bronstein, Leningrad 1960, which was used as the basis of the chess position in From Russia with Love. Can you spot White’s fine finish? Answers to me at The Spectator by Tuesday 19 June or via email to victoria@spectator.co.uk or by fax on 020 7681 3773. The winner will be the first correct answer out of a hat, and each week I shall be offering a prize of £20. Please include a postal address and allow six weeks for prize delivery.