Topalov plays white in Game 1, starting Saturday, 24th April

Bulgarian challenger Veselin Topalov will start with white pieces in the first game against World Champion Viswanathan Anand in the World Chess Championship 2010. The showpiece event starts at the Central Military Club, Sofia on Saturday, 24th April.

The grand opening ceremony at the Central Military Club, had opulence written all over it. Chairing the meet was Prime Minister and Chairman, Organizing Committee Mr. Boiko Borisov. FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, World Champion Viswanathan Anand, Challenger Veselin Topalov and a number of VIPs from the chess world graced the occasion.

Topalov will also have white in the last game, as after six games the colours will be reversed. The first of the 12 games begin on Saturday, 24th April, 2010.

The time control for each game shall be – two hours for the first 40 moves, one hour for the next 20 moves and then 15 minutes for the rest of the game with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting after move 61 has been made.

Official Site :http://www.anand-topalov.com/

Photo Courtesy : http://www.chessdom.com/

Playing Schedule :
April 21 – 18.00 EEST (15.00 UTC) – Official opening
April 24 – 17.00 EEST (14.00 UTC) – Game 1
April 25 – 15.00 EEST (12.00 UTC) – Game 2
April 26 – Rest Day
April 27 – 15.00 EEST (12.00 UTC) – Game 3
April 28 – 15.00 EEST (12.00 UTC) – Game 4
April 29 – Rest Day
April 30 – 15.00 EEST (12.00 UTC) – Game 5
May 1 – 15.00 EEST (12.00 UTC) – Game 6
May 2 – Rest Day
May 3 – 15.00 EEST (12.00 UTC) – Game 7
May 4 – 15.00 EEST (12.00 UTC) – Game 8
May 5 – Rest Day