Topalov-Kasparov, Amsterdam 1996
The Max Euwe Memorial was held annually from 1987 to 1996 and used to be an elite tournament with the participation of top Grandmasters. The last edition from 1996, a round robin with 10 participants, was dominated by Veselin Topalov and Garry Kasparov. Both players scored 6,5 points, 1,5 points ahead of the third place.
The future winners met right at the beginning of the tournament in a highly spectacular battle. Topalov, known for his aggressive style, chose a variation preferred by Fischer against the Najdorf Sicilian and sacrificed a central pawn on move nine. Kasparov picked up the gauntlet, entering wild complications, where memory and the depth of home preparation were crucial. Topalov implemented a novelty and soon his knight, supported by the bishops, created total discomfort in Black's camp. A very rare case when Kasparov got out-prepared in the opening! Every move of White's knight had a devastating effect on Black's position and the brave minor piece disappeared from the board only after capturing no less than the opponent's queen. In spite of Kasparov's long resistance, the outcome of the game was never questioned: Black was helpless against White's mighty queen and after 66 moves Topalov took home a well-deserved point.