London Chess Classics 2015

I did not expect to enter the rest day with 5 draws, but it does not bother me much. In 2015 more than half my games have been decisive, including way too many losses. Having had favourable or clearly favourable endings against Caruana, Anand and Adams in round 2, 3 and 4, I would normally have a plus score. They all defended well, and I did not manage to convert any of the advantages.

Despite the no-draw-offer rule we have seen just four decisive games overall. Except for Grand Chess Tour-leader Topalov, who lost three games already. We are all at +1 or 50% and the tournament is wide open.

Fortunately the lack of a driving license did not stop me from featuring in a cool campaign launch for the new Porsche 911 aired today. I think it is a sign of chess becoming accepted with a wider audience. I hope you like it when you see it!

Just returned from Chelsea – Porto in the Champions League that ended 2-0. Entertaining game, good atmosphere and a pleasant way to spend the rest day.

In the final stretch of the Classic this coming weekend, I start off playing black against Anish Giri in round 6 Thursday.