Kasparov-Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1999
"Everyone, including the winner himself, realised that something special had happened that day", noted the director of the tournament after the game finished. Just a quick glance at the diagram is enough to realise that the game played in the fourth round of the tournament at Wijk aan Zee 1999 between Kasparov and Topalov was something extraordinary. Brilliant sacrifices by White forced the black king all the way to d1, where it finally seemed safe. But after two more stunning sacrifices, it was clear to everyone: White was winning.
The game received a standing ovation from the audience after it ended, and moments later, when Kasparov entered the press centre, the journalists and Grandmasters present burst into applause. This formidable achievement of the 13th World Champion was soon dubbed “Kasparov’s immortal game" and it became the most famous game of his magnificent chess career.