Vladimir Kramnik did not look likely to win this tournament a few days ago. Two dramatic victories in the last two rounds changed all that and enabled the Russian classical chess world champion to snatch the title. Equal first was Peter Svidler.

It was clear that the game between Kramnik and Peter Leko would be the key one and considering these players history it was bound to be a thriller. Had Leko managed to win or even solidly draw the game, it would have kept him ahead of his rival. This was not to be, however. Leko deviated at move 22 and was soon two pawns down. One was a dangerous passer that advanced to b7 and had to be traded for a bishop. With an extra piece, Kramnik had little trouble in the endgame and took the game, set and match.

Svidler's game against Michael Adams had already come to a conclusion before all this. On move 17 a draw was agreed and Svidler was assured equal firs while Adams earned equal third.