MARK RUBERY CHESS
During an interview with the magazine New in Chess, Bronstein was asked about the dramatic conclusion of his match against Botvinnik (Bronstein was leading with two games to play, but the then World Champion managed to level the match):
“Of course I was afraid to beat Botvinnik! Just imagine what that would mean! He was a monument, the pride of the Soviet rulers. Who won several Soviet championships (Bronstein picks up the a-pawn and emphatically puts it down on a4). Who played successfully against the world elite in Nottingham in 1936! (The b-pawn is put on b4) Who won the tournament in Moscow in 1935! (The c-pawn goes to c4) Who came out victorious in Groningen in 1946! (The d-pawn lands on d4) Who sent a telegram to the great leader Stalin! (The e-pawn goes to e4) Who brought them the World Championship in 1948 (The f-pawn is moved to f4) Who was a loyal supporter of the system! (The g-pawn is put on g4) Who received a car for his victory (The h-pawn is put on the last vacant square on the fourth rank) and who was I? A simple boy from the country.”
After the match, Botvinnik was complimentary to his opponent, noting that Bronstein “presses the attack with remarkable power, he has an excellent command of openings and is frequently able to wrest the initiative from the start.” Years later they spoke in less friendly terms about the match. Bronstein complained that “When the 24th game was finished, many journalists came to the stage and asked Botvinnik to hold a press conference. The Champion agreed but ‘forgot’ to invite me to attend.” In turn Botvinnik accused Bronstein of “outrageous” behaviour: “He would make a move and quickly go behind the stage, then... suddenly dart out and disappear again. In the auditorium there was laughter, and this hindered my playing.”
One of the pivotal moments in the match arrived at the climax of game six when Bronstein blundered after thinking over his next move for 45 minutes…
Kc2?? (1 Ne6+ Kf3 2 Nd4 leads to a draw)… Kg3! (Bronstein only anticipated 1…Kf3 2 Ne6 e2 3 Nd4+) 0-1
‘And here Topalov shook hands and resigned the game and match. Topalov started an animated and friendly conversation discussing lines from the game with Anand as they signed the score sheets and for a short while afterwards. Topalov then shook hands with his opponent once again before leaving the stage. In the last moments of disappointment he behaved with perfect sportsmanship. Also at the board Anand didn’t look overly elated either; probably he was tired and just glad he accomplished his mission.’ (Malcolm Pein commenting on the end of the Anand-topalov WCH 2010)