A. Grischuk - Wang Yue
Baku 2008 (Round 7)

Hello, dear chess lovers! GM Sergey Shipov is commenting for you live from Baku. The tournament is taking place over the equator. It is today that we are going to see the three games of the utmost importance, which can totally change the ranking of the table: Grishuk - Wang Yue, Gashimov - Kamsky and Rajabov - Carlsen. I, personally ,consider the Russian-Chinese confrontation the most devastating. Of course, the men's game is not as stunning as women's. However, the time for the excellence of Chinese players is nearing... Indeed, the moment for it can come right away in this round! Wang Yue has surprised us with the high level game, which is the result of his endurance, makes him a dangerous rival and the favorite of the tournament. Today, the Chinese player will be once more tested for his stamina.
1.Nf3 A slight slyness. This set of moves is useful in fighting against Gruenfeld defense. Most probably Sasha had some fears about this...
1...d5 Strict answer. Central strategy!
2.d4 Nf6 3.c4 Some slight tricks have been left behind. Rivals making Queen's gambit.
3...c6 Speaking more precisely, Slav defense.
4.Nc3 a6 Speaking even more exactly - Chebanenko system! The Black are preparing a spacial attack on the queenside with the move of b7-b5, and, thus, keeping the possibility to draw the bishop on c8 out.
5.g3 A rare answer, very similar to Catalan opening, which is performed by Grischuk succesfully for the past years for both sides. Here, once more, he decided to use it, basing it upon good prepared nuances. The White are ready to sacrifice c4 pawn.The Russian player should not be considered as the pioneer of this move. In this early stage, all strong continuations have already been tested. For instance, a great innovator David Bronstein in 1983, implemented 5.g3 move.
5...dxc4 A wonderful courage. It was given, and he took it.

[Let me show you the primary sources of this game.
5...b5 6.c5 Bf5 7.Ne5 Nfd7 8.Nxd7 Nxd7 9.Bg2 g6 10.f3 b4 11.Na4 e5 12.e4 Be6 13.f4! exd4 14.exd5 cxd5 15.Qxd4 Qf6 16.Be3 Bg7 17.Qxb4 Rb8 18.Qd2 O-O 19.c6 d4 20.Bf2 Bc4 21.O-O-O d3 22.cxd7 Qf5 23.Nb6 Qb5 24.Rhe1 Bxa2 25.Re5! and the challenging struggle ended with the total triumph of the White during the game Bronstein - Bagirov, Minsk, 1983.]

6.Ne5 Sasha is going away from the main principles of this theory. He is intending to quickly get the pawn. In this case, it seems that the Black gave in the central space gratis. A solid and tough struggle is commencing...

[It was oftenly played,
6.Bg2]

[6.a4 and]

6...Nbd7 Wang Yue is looking forward to the rapid development, which will be the payback for the concession...

[A greedy continuation
6...b5 it is also possible. It is ordinary after all these logical moves
7.Bg2 Bb7 8.a4 (or 8. 0-0) with the dislocation of the moves, we get a well known and oftenly met position of the Catalan opening!]

7.Nxc4 b5 The Black are using the convenient moment for the queenside development. The white bishop is late with the move to g2. Meanwhile, nothing new is happening on the chess board. Yet, Grischuk has started his usual submersion into the game. It is paradoxical that he used,in a well known situation, two successful moves astray from the main theory. Consequently, it is possible to suppose that he had to be prepared for the rising variations... A puzzle? No, it is a natural occurence! Kasparov also used to think lengthily over the previously known variations... The white knight has two possible moves: to d2 and e3. In any case, the knight on c1 will be quite unsatisfied.
8.Nd2 The most rational. From d2 the knight can move to b3, or even to f3. However, after 8.Ne3. it is difficult to predict the future route of the knight; meanwhile, he is tampering his own pieces.
8...Bb7 The black bishop was the first one to stand on the diagonal, which will probably be the battlefield.
9.Bg2 The second duellist froze on the opposite side. The weapons are yet laid down, however the concetration is still intense. The problem of the Black is to put the pawn on e6, defend the bishop and to make the moves c6-c5 that will free the passage in order to simplify and balance the game.
9...e6 The plan is about to be accomplished.
10.O-O Be7 However, the development should not be forgotten. It is a perfect moment to construct the plan for the White... The first involuntary desire is to put the d2 knight to b3, followed by an advancement of the e2 pawn on e4 in order to c6-c5 answer with d4-d5. The second desire is to return the active knight to the centre - e4. Later, it will be possible to lead the bishop to f4 and examine d6. Being more precise, there are many variants.
11.e4 A novelty! Grischuk is fulfilling my first desire with his professional modification: the White keep the knight on d2 so that they could grasp the centre with the help of e4-e5 move and (maybe not so quickly) Nd2-e4. A clever plan!

[In the game Djuric,V. - Marin, L., Belgrade 2001, was encountered
11.Nde4 O-O 12.Bf4 b4 13.Na4 Nxe4 14.Bxe4 Qa5 15.Rc1 Rac8 16.Qc2 f5 17.Bg2 e5 18.dxe5 Nxe5 19.Nc5! and the White gained an obvious advantage. The Black were unsuccesful since their bishop stood frozen on b7. Of course, the game of two beautiful girls Vesna and Luisa (this is specially remarked because there are two namesakes - strong men chess players) was not so beautiful... Perhaps, I am too harsh on Vesna because she could not win...]

11...O-O

[It was too early,
11...c5 due to 12.e5 Nd5 13.Nxd5 Bxd5 14.Bxd5 exd5 15.Qg4 O-O 16.Nf3 with a strong white initiative.]

12.e5 It is all clear. We similarly think with my compatriot.
12...Nd5 This is a delicate moment. A sudden advancement of the knight on e4 has its disadvantages. It is worth thinking about the following moves 13.Re1 and 13.Qg4. The timing, as expected, is different: 1.05 - 1.29.
13.Nxd5 I was thinking over this continuation, but I do not recommend it.

[Still, I insist on the following move:
13.Qg4!]

13...cxd5 This position was certainly beneficial for the White, provided that their bishop was on d3. However, at the moment, it is resting upon a strong d5 pawn and does not help in the kingside attack. Anyways, the White will have enough time for preparation. If the Black do not manage to create a critical countergame on the queenside, then their king will be on fire. The first logical question comes up - isn't it possible to accomplish an attack f2-f4-f5?

[In case of
13...exd5 14.Nb3 the Black could not get rid of the pawn weaknesses.]

14.Re1 A solid, self-sustained move of preventive measure. It is done so that the Black do not even think over f7-f6 (or f7-f5). Meanwhile, Sasha creates an opportunity to resolve the above mentioned bishop problem with the move of Bg2-f1-d3.

[I did not find any flaws in the move,
14.f4 it is logical and contains chess universal.]

14...Rc8 The Black also have suggesting ideas. For example, the queen attack on c2. Without going into deep analysis, I will tell my first impression - the Black have a countergame that is enough for the balance. Indeed, it could be misleading...
15.Bf1 In this case it is not only a preparation for an attack, but also a defensive manoeuvre. The black queen cannot get to c2. Whilst Grischuk was thinking, I managed to sketch the route of the forecoming counterattack of the Black.

[Have a look at my chess fantasy:
15.Bf1 Nb6 16.b3 Bb4 17.Bb2 Nc4!! 18.bxc4 dxc4! and the White are facing a strong and perilious attack. Neverthelss, they have reinforcement in this line. For example,16.Bd3!]

15...b4 No, this is not a surprise. The black b7 bishop was wasting time. His energy needs to be released, and Wang Yue is trying to help him. The following moves could be Qd8-b6, a6-a5 and Bb7-a6.
16.Nf3 The rivals are still continuing to surprise each other.

[I considered more natural scheme of attack -
16.Bd3 Qb6 17.Qg4! (Why not to let the strongest soldier forward ?)
17...a5 18.Nf3 Rfe8 19.Bg5 and Ba6 is poor due to
20.Bxh7+! Kxh7 21.Bxe7 Rxe7? 22.Qh4+!]

16...a5 The diagonal for b7 bishop was ready. Sasha is thinking way too much. The time for the forecoming difficulties is approaching: 0.27 - 1.05
17.Bd3 Previously planned way out to the belligerent position. h7 pawn is already under serious danger...
17...Qb6 Two out of three predicted moves already took place. No doubts that Bb7-a6 will be accomplished. The White has enough speed to cause threats. Exchange of lightsquared bishops is not beneficial because it will weaken the attacking possibilities. To lead the bishop to b1, in front of the eyes a1 rook, is psychologically hard. I see two working lines: 18.Bg5 and 18.Qe2. The third one will probably be found by Grischuk...
18.Bg5 No. He has almost no time for deep thinking. He is making the most self-offering move. Interestingly, where is he going to move the g5 knight when h6 pawn will be about to attack him? He is hesitating on whether to move back or forward to h7 - to the most dangerous spot! He might as well leave it under the threat... Timing is 0.21 - 0.55. From this moment on, the most thrilling part of the game starts.
18...Rfe8 Wang Yue decided not to play with fire, not considering the hard lines, he is losing his pace.

[In fact, after
18...Bxg5 19.Nxg5 h6 in my analysis, it is impossible to find anything dangerous for the Black.]

[However, on
18...Bxg5 it is not necessary to take the bishop. It is possible to sacrifice own figure,
19.Bxh7+! Kxh7 20.Nxg5+ truly after
20...Kg6! it is not so easy to count the combination till the end... But it is obvious that the Black are about to lose... For example,
21.Qg4! f5 22.exf6 Nxf6 23.Rxe6 Qc7 24.Rae1! and the black king will not be able to escape. Here comes the conclusion, Wang Yue played correctly.]

19.Bxe7 Rxe7 The White accomplished a favorable exchange and ended the development. a1 rook is ready to enter the game.
20.Qe2 The one who was not there in the right place, right moment, is the loser. The bishop stays on b7.
20...h6 Another careful continuation. The Chinese GM is fearing mate attack of his rival, and this is why he is delaying the countergame. This is a very gentle attitude; it is difficult to achieve an absolute equality, moreover a seizure of the initiative.

[Perhaps, in the analysis, it was found out that Wang Yue fears a real threat.
20...Nb8?! 21.Bxh7+! Kxh7 22.Ng5+ Kg8 23.Qh5 Rec7 24.Qh7+ Kf8 25.Qh8+ Ke7 26.Qxg7 Rf8 27.Re3! and the black king is in an unpleasant situation.]

21.Rad1 Strictly on the centre! Even if the Black manage to drive the bishop onto a6, they will only make rook d1 attack through d3.
21...Nf8 A transition to passive defense. The white overbalance is becoming obvious!
22.h4 Nothing impedes the movement of the kingside pawn. In 3-4 moves, the opening of the line will occur and the black king, anyways, will be left in trouble.
22...Rec7 A beautiful and logical rook doubling. But why? There is no place for the interference. The move a5-a4-a3 is arising to open up the route c3 for the rooks. But, this is very hard and time-consuming. During this time, the white will simply manage to pose mate!
23.h5 A beneficial spacial seizure and the fixation of the goal. Later, Qe2-e3 and g3-g4-g5! will follow. The only obstacle on Grischuk's way is timetrouble: 0.13 - 0.41.
23...Rc6 Another attempt to accomplish previously planned attack. Once more, the following manoeuvre Bb7-a6 is on its way.
24.Qe3 An exact answer. The White are ready to lead the bishop away to b1, leaving the a6 bishop in a foolish position.
24...Ba6 25.Bb1! Exactly like that! The Black still cannot do anything. There are active pieces, opened up file, and a diagonal - but there are no interfering squares and there won't be any!
25...Qd8 The forced changes in plan
26.Kh1 The most superfine move is done! No, I don't mean the openning of g1 square for the ��, � �� ä� ��ä�� g1 for the rook in attack 3-g4-g5. This is logical and perspective. But why the king moved to h1, and not to h2? This cobweb(thiner than a hairbreadth !) I can't explain immidiately.
26...Bb5 The move is not worse than other ones. There is the powerful idea - to disturb the white with Bb5-a4 prick. But it's impossible to call it even a menace...
27.g4! It has started! The iron ram attack is approaching the fragile gates where the black king is hiding. The timing is not as important as the positional nuances: 0.05 - 0.26.

[The rooks' regrouping
27.Rg1 Ba4 28.Rde1 Bc2! , suppose, there would be too time-consuming due to]

27...Ba4 28.b3 Rc3 The first minor achivement of the Black
29.Qf4 Be8 A storm is about to begin! Truely, the last move of the Chinese GM is confusing me .... What if he is planning a counterstike f7-f6? In this case, e8 bishop will get the opportunity to devour h5 pawn.
30.Rg1 A justified delay.

[In line 30.g5 hxg5 31.Nxg5 indeed, it turned out to be a strong undermining.
31...f6!]

30...f6 More than a justified move. Now, the threat of the strike g4-g5 was devastating.
31.Rg3 To relieve the pawn tension in the centre is not advantegous for none of the sides. This is why Grischuk is strengthening his attacking group. By the way, I still do not get the importance of Kg1-h1 move. It looks like, on h2 it would be in a more secure position, because in the lines, the black rook is interfering into c1 without a check.
31...Qc7 The e5 pawn pinning and the preparation for penetration of rook on c1
32.Rdg1 Rc1 33.Kh2 Confessing of his own inaccuracy.
33...Rxg1

[Probably, right now this move would be the strongest.
33...Bb5]

34.Rxg1 High tension in the centre and on the kingside is still present. It is highly complicated to play such positions in timetrouble!
34...Bb5 The bishop is planning to enter the white rear through e2.
35.Qe3 The penetration is prevented. What misfortune! And now, the h2 king is under the x-rays of the black queen, consequently, e5 pawn is kept constrained.

[Perhaps, in such situations, it would be recommended to bring the rook back to the centre.
35.Re1!]

35...Qc3 The Black manage to keep their king from the white attack through exchanges.
36.exf6 Qxe3

[In case of,
36...gxf6 the White might have decided to change queens.
37.Qf4 but the Black achieved their goal.
37...Qc7!]

37.f7+ An important transitional move that left e5 under the command of white knight.
37...Kxf7 38.fxe3 Rc3 The rook activity guarantees the black a comfortable endgame.
39.Re1 They have to passively defend the pawn.
39...g5 An unobvious decision.

[A quite cliche game is arising,
39...Nd7 40.Kg3 Bd3 with an equal balance.]

40.hxg6+ Nxg6 The control is passed, and now its time for mild thinking. Exchange of the pawns on g6 did not change the situation. A draw is more likely to occur. In lines, the sides have chances for the balance of the game. To help the White to win is only possible through an exchange on g6 that will guarantee the knight an ownership over e5. But in this case, the black rook might enter on c2. Counting is required...
41.g5 The hunt for the black king has already begun. But the chances for the White to create threats are slim.

[I considered this line,
41.Bxg6+ Kxg6 42.Kg3 Rc2 43.Ne5+ Kg7 44.Ra1 (with an idea to push forward through a2-a3)
44...Rb2! 45.Rc1!

(the following is poor
45.a3? due to 45...Rxb3 46.axb4 a4!)

45...Rxa2 46.Rc7+ Kg8 the White, as minimum, has draw with the repetition of the moves. Nothing more can be observed...]

41...hxg5 To keep it alive is not recommended.
42.Nxg5+ Kf6 The repetition of the move with the knight jumping to h5 and back to g5 is inevitable. The White definitely does not have anything. However, the Black can keep on fighting.
43.Nh7+

[The following move is denied very nicely,
43.Nxe6 Ne5!! 44.dxe5+ Kxe6 45.Kg2 Kxe5 46.Kf2 Bd3! And this ending, unexpectedly, turns out to be difficult for the White.]

43...Kg7 44.Ng5 An important moment. To play 44. e5 or to agree to a draw? The lines, after 44...e5 and 45. e4!, are non-trivial.
44...e5 Good job, Wang Yue! He is really ambitious!
45.dxe5 Some kind of concession. Sasha had belived his rival. .

[[After the sharp answer
45.e4! the chances of both sides stay approximately equel.But it's too hard to indicate the short and exact line... unless...
45...Kf6 46.Nh7+ Ke7 47.exd5 Bd3 48.Bxd3 Rxd3 49.dxe5 Rxd5 50.Kg3 Rxe5 and here one can see the circuits of forthcoming peace.]

45...Nxe5 46.Ne6+ It becomes obvious that Grishuk complicates his way to a draw.

[It was worthy to lead the king the center -
46.Kg3]

46...Kf6 47.Nd4 The knight found his perfect place on the board, but the king remained on h2. The Black can force the profitable exchange by manoeuvre of bishop on d3.
47...Bd3! The buldog has seized it in a death grip! The very unpleasent pressure of the Black.... They threten them not only by exchange and the chek on g4 but also by the dash of the king on e4.
48.Bxd3 Nxd3 49.Rf1+ Ke5 The goal is not so far from. If �3 pawn falls, the Black will get the perfect winning position. This can not be allowed to happen! Now, there can't be any inaccuracies.
50.Rf8 This is right - the counterattack from the rear.
50...Nc1 This is probably a ceasefire!

[This is more dangerous for the White
50...Ke4 For example,
51.Re8+ Ne5 52.Kg2 Rxe3 53.Nc6 Kf5 54.Rf8+ Ke6 55.Nxa5 Re2+ 56.Kg3 Rxa2 The White is about to lose]

51.Re8+ Kd6 The visually simple endgame turns into an entertaining thriller! A double blow on b5 doesn't scare Wang Yue.
52.Re6+

[In reality, there were no sacrifices -
52.Nb5+ Kd7 and this is no good move
53.Nxc3? bxc3 54.Rf8 c2 55.Rf2 Ne2! with the Black winning]

52...Kd7 53.Ra6 Rc5 54.Kg3 At last! The white king will save the situation by returning to the centre.
54...Nxa2 An extra pawn cannot help the Black to win.
55.Kf4 Activity is the most important in this game.
55...Nc1 56.Ra7+ Kd6 57.Ra6+ Kd7 58.Ra7+ Kd6 59.Ra6+ An interesting game! In the middle of it, the chances for the White to survive were little, but Wang Yue demonstrated an amazingly exact defense, by protecting himself from the forthcoming attack and even took over the initiative. However, in the end, he did not use his chance. The standings for the leaders are still the same. It was GM Sergey Shipov who commented on this thrilling game. See you tomorrow, and have a nice evening!

1/2-1/2

Created with PGNtoJS

Hello, dear chess lovers! GM Sergey Shipov is commenting for you live from Baku. The tournament is taking place over the equator. It is today that we are going to see the three games of the utmost importance, which can totally change the ranking of the table: Grishuk - Wang Yue, Gashimov - Kamsky and Rajabov - Carlsen. I, personally ,consider the Russian-Chinese confrontation the most devastating. Of course, the men's game is not as stunning as women's. However, the time for the excellence of Chinese players is nearing... Indeed, the moment for it can come right away in this round! Wang Yue has surprised us with the high level game, which is the result of his endurance, makes him a dangerous rival and the favorite of the tournament. Today, the Chinese player will be once more tested for his stamina. 1.Nf3 A slight slyness. This set of moves is useful in fighting against Gruenfeld defense. Most probably Sasha had some fears about this... 1...d5 Strict answer. Central strategy! 2.d4 Nf6 3.c4 Some slight tricks have been left behind. Rivals making Queen's gambit. 3...c6 Speaking more precisely, Slav defense. 4.Nc3 a6 Speaking even more exactly - Chebanenko system! The Black are preparing a spacial attack on the queenside with the move of b7-b5, and, thus, keeping the possibility to draw the bishop on c8 out. 5.g3 A rare answer, very similar to Catalan opening, which is performed by Grischuk succesfully for the past years for both sides. Here, once more, he decided to use it, basing it upon good prepared nuances. The White are ready to sacrifice c4 pawn.The Russian player should not be considered as the pioneer of this move. In this early stage, all strong continuations have already been tested. For instance, a great innovator David Bronstein in 1983, implemented 5.g3 move. 5...dxc4 A wonderful courage. It was given, and he took it.
	[Let me show you the primary sources of this game. 5...b5 6.c5 Bf5 7.Ne5 Nfd7 8.Nxd7 Nxd7 9.Bg2 g6 10.f3 b4 11.Na4 e5 12.e4 Be6 13.f4! exd4 14.exd5 cxd5 15.Qxd4 Qf6 16.Be3 Bg7 17.Qxb4 Rb8 18.Qd2 O-O 19.c6 d4 20.Bf2 Bc4 21.O-O-O d3 22.cxd7 Qf5 23.Nb6 Qb5 24.Rhe1 Bxa2 25.Re5! and the challenging struggle ended with the total triumph of the White during the game Bronstein - Bagirov, Minsk, 1983.]
6.Ne5 Sasha is going away from the main principles of this theory. He is intending to quickly get the pawn. In this case, it seems that the Black gave in the central space gratis. A solid and tough struggle is commencing...
	[It was oftenly played, 6.Bg2]

	[6.a4 and]
6...Nbd7 Wang Yue is looking forward to the rapid development, which will be the payback for the concession...
	[A greedy continuation 6...b5 it is also possible. It is ordinary after all these logical moves 7.Bg2 Bb7 8.a4 (or 8. 0-0) with the dislocation of the moves, we get a well known and oftenly met position of the Catalan opening!]
7.Nxc4 b5 The Black are using the convenient moment for the queenside development. The white bishop is late with the move to g2. Meanwhile, nothing new is happening on the chess board. Yet, Grischuk has started his usual submersion into the game. It is paradoxical that he used,in a well known situation, two successful moves astray from the main theory. Consequently, it is possible to suppose that he had to be prepared for the rising variations... A puzzle? No, it is a natural occurence! Kasparov also used to think lengthily over the previously known variations... The white knight has two possible moves: to d2 and e3. In any case, the knight on c1 will be quite unsatisfied. 8.Nd2 The most rational. From d2 the knight can move to b3, or even to f3. However, after 8.Ne3. it is difficult to predict the future route of the knight; meanwhile, he is tampering his own pieces. 8...Bb7 The black bishop was the first one to stand on the diagonal, which will probably be the battlefield. 9.Bg2 The second duellist froze on the opposite side. The weapons are yet laid down, however the concetration is still intense. The problem of the Black is to put the pawn on e6, defend the bishop and to make the moves c6-c5 that will free the passage in order to simplify and balance the game. 9...e6 The plan is about to be accomplished. 10.O-O Be7 However, the development should not be forgotten. It is a perfect moment to construct the plan for the White... The first involuntary desire is to put the d2 knight to b3, followed by an advancement of the e2 pawn on e4 in order to c6-c5 answer with d4-d5. The second desire is to return the active knight to the centre - e4. Later, it will be possible to lead the bishop to f4 and examine d6. Being more precise, there are many variants. 11.e4 A novelty! Grischuk is fulfilling my first desire with his professional modification: the White keep the knight on d2 so that they could grasp the centre with the help of e4-e5 move and (maybe not so quickly) Nd2-e4. A clever plan!
	[In the game Djuric,V. - Marin, L., Belgrade 2001, was encountered 11.Nde4 O-O 12.Bf4 b4 13.Na4 Nxe4 14.Bxe4 Qa5 15.Rc1 Rac8 16.Qc2 f5 17.Bg2 e5 18.dxe5 Nxe5 19.Nc5! and the White gained an obvious advantage. The Black were unsuccesful since their bishop stood frozen on b7. Of course, the game of two beautiful girls Vesna and Luisa (this is specially remarked because there are two namesakes - strong men chess players) was not so beautiful... Perhaps, I am too harsh on Vesna because she could not win...]
11...O-O
	[It was too early, 11...c5 due to 12.e5 Nd5 13.Nxd5 Bxd5 14.Bxd5 exd5 15.Qg4 O-O 16.Nf3 with a strong white initiative.]
12.e5 It is all clear. We similarly think with my compatriot. 12...Nd5 This is a delicate moment. A sudden advancement of the knight on e4 has its disadvantages. It is worth thinking about the following moves 13.Re1 and 13.Qg4. The timing, as expected, is different: 1.05 - 1.29. 13.Nxd5 I was thinking over this continuation, but I do not recommend it.
	[Still, I insist on the following move: 13.Qg4!]
13...cxd5 This position was certainly beneficial for the White, provided that their bishop was on d3. However, at the moment, it is resting upon a strong d5 pawn and does not help in the kingside attack. Anyways, the White will have enough time for preparation. If the Black do not manage to create a critical countergame on the queenside, then their king will be on fire. The first logical question comes up - isn't it possible to accomplish an attack f2-f4-f5?
	[In case of 13...exd5 14.Nb3 the Black could not get rid of the pawn weaknesses.]
14.Re1 A solid, self-sustained move of preventive measure. It is done so that the Black do not even think over f7-f6 (or f7-f5). Meanwhile, Sasha creates an opportunity to resolve the above mentioned bishop problem with the move of Bg2-f1-d3.
	[I did not find any flaws in the move, 14.f4 it is logical and contains chess universal.]
14...Rc8 The Black also have suggesting ideas. For example, the queen attack on c2. Without going into deep analysis, I will tell my first impression - the Black have a countergame that is enough for the balance. Indeed, it could be misleading... 15.Bf1 In this case it is not only a preparation for an attack, but also a defensive manoeuvre. The black queen cannot get to c2. Whilst Grischuk was thinking, I managed to sketch the route of the forecoming counterattack of the Black.
	[Have a look at my chess fantasy: 15.Bf1 Nb6 16.b3 Bb4 17.Bb2 Nc4!! 18.bxc4 dxc4! and the White are facing a strong and perilious attack. Neverthelss, they have reinforcement in this line. For example,16.Bd3!]
15...b4 No, this is not a surprise. The black b7 bishop was wasting time. His energy needs to be released, and Wang Yue is trying to help him. The following moves could be Qd8-b6, a6-a5 and Bb7-a6. 16.Nf3 The rivals are still continuing to surprise each other.
	[I considered more natural scheme of attack - 16.Bd3 Qb6 17.Qg4! (Why not to let the strongest soldier forward ?) 17...a5 18.Nf3 Rfe8 19.Bg5 and Ba6 is poor due to 20.Bxh7+! Kxh7 21.Bxe7 Rxe7? 22.Qh4+!]
16...a5 The diagonal for b7 bishop was ready. Sasha is thinking way too much. The time for the forecoming difficulties is approaching: 0.27 - 1.05 17.Bd3 Previously planned way out to the belligerent position. h7 pawn is already under serious danger... 17...Qb6 Two out of three predicted moves already took place. No doubts that Bb7-a6 will be accomplished. The White has enough speed to cause threats. Exchange of lightsquared bishops is not beneficial because it will weaken the attacking possibilities. To lead the bishop to b1, in front of the eyes a1 rook, is psychologically hard. I see two working lines: 18.Bg5 and 18.Qe2. The third one will probably be found by Grischuk... 18.Bg5 No. He has almost no time for deep thinking. He is making the most self-offering move. Interestingly, where is he going to move the g5 knight when h6 pawn will be about to attack him? He is hesitating on whether to move back or forward to h7 - to the most dangerous spot! He might as well leave it under the threat... Timing is 0.21 - 0.55. From this moment on, the most thrilling part of the game starts. 18...Rfe8 Wang Yue decided not to play with fire, not considering the hard lines, he is losing his pace.
	[In fact, after 18...Bxg5 19.Nxg5 h6 in my analysis, it is impossible to find anything dangerous for the Black.]

	[However, on 18...Bxg5 it is not necessary to take the bishop. It is possible to sacrifice own figure, 19.Bxh7+! Kxh7 20.Nxg5+ truly after 20...Kg6! it is not so easy to count the combination till the end... But it is obvious that the Black are about to lose... For example, 21.Qg4! f5 22.exf6 Nxf6 23.Rxe6 Qc7 24.Rae1! and the black king will not be able to escape. Here comes the conclusion, Wang Yue played correctly.]
19.Bxe7 Rxe7 The White accomplished a favorable exchange and ended the development. a1 rook is ready to enter the game. 20.Qe2 The one who was not there in the right place, right moment, is the loser. The bishop stays on b7. 20...h6 Another careful continuation. The Chinese GM is fearing mate attack of his rival, and this is why he is delaying the countergame. This is a very gentle attitude; it is difficult to achieve an absolute equality, moreover a seizure of the initiative.
	[Perhaps, in the analysis, it was found out that Wang Yue fears a real threat. 20...Nb8?! 21.Bxh7+! Kxh7 22.Ng5+ Kg8 23.Qh5 Rec7 24.Qh7+ Kf8 25.Qh8+ Ke7 26.Qxg7 Rf8 27.Re3! and the black king is in an unpleasant situation.]
21.Rad1 Strictly on the centre! Even if the Black manage to drive the bishop onto a6, they will only make rook d1 attack through d3. 21...Nf8 A transition to passive defense. The white overbalance is becoming obvious! 22.h4 Nothing impedes the movement of the kingside pawn. In 3-4 moves, the opening of the line will occur and the black king, anyways, will be left in trouble. 22...Rec7 A beautiful and logical rook doubling. But why? There is no place for the interference. The move a5-a4-a3 is arising to open up the route c3 for the rooks. But, this is very hard and time-consuming. During this time, the white will simply manage to pose mate! 23.h5 A beneficial spacial seizure and the fixation of the goal. Later, Qe2-e3 and g3-g4-g5! will follow. The only obstacle on Grischuk's way is timetrouble: 0.13 - 0.41. 23...Rc6 Another attempt to accomplish previously planned attack. Once more, the following manoeuvre Bb7-a6 is on its way. 24.Qe3 An exact answer. The White are ready to lead the bishop away to b1, leaving the a6 bishop in a foolish position. 24...Ba6 25.Bb1! Exactly like that! The Black still cannot do anything. There are active pieces, opened up file, and a diagonal - but there are no interfering squares and there won't be any! 25...Qd8 The forced changes in plan 26.Kh1 The most superfine move is done! No, I don't mean the openning of g1 square for the ��, � �� ä� ��ä�� g1 for the rook in attack 3-g4-g5. This is logical and perspective. But why the king moved to h1, and not to h2? This cobweb(thiner than a hairbreadth !) I can't explain immidiately. 26...Bb5 The move is not worse than other ones. There is the powerful idea - to disturb the white with Bb5-a4 prick. But it's impossible to call it even a menace... 27.g4! It has started! The iron ram attack is approaching the fragile gates where the black king is hiding. The timing is not as important as the positional nuances: 0.05 - 0.26.
	[The rooks' regrouping 27.Rg1 Ba4 28.Rde1 Bc2! , suppose, there would be too time-consuming due to]
27...Ba4 28.b3 Rc3 The first minor achivement of the Black 29.Qf4 Be8 A storm is about to begin! Truely, the last move of the Chinese GM is confusing me .... What if he is planning a counterstike f7-f6? In this case, e8 bishop will get the opportunity to devour h5 pawn. 30.Rg1 A justified delay.
	[In line 30.g5 hxg5 31.Nxg5 indeed, it turned out to be a strong undermining. 31...f6!]
30...f6 More than a justified move. Now, the threat of the strike g4-g5 was devastating. 31.Rg3 To relieve the pawn tension in the centre is not advantegous for none of the sides. This is why Grischuk is strengthening his attacking group. By the way, I still do not get the importance of Kg1-h1 move. It looks like, on h2 it would be in a more secure position, because in the lines, the black rook is interfering into c1 without a check. 31...Qc7 The e5 pawn pinning and the preparation for penetration of rook on c1 32.Rdg1 Rc1 33.Kh2 Confessing of his own inaccuracy. 33...Rxg1
	[Probably, right now this move would be the strongest. 33...Bb5]
34.Rxg1 High tension in the centre and on the kingside is still present. It is highly complicated to play such positions in timetrouble! 34...Bb5 The bishop is planning to enter the white rear through e2. 35.Qe3 The penetration is prevented. What misfortune! And now, the h2 king is under the x-rays of the black queen, consequently, e5 pawn is kept constrained.
	[Perhaps, in such situations, it would be recommended to bring the rook back to the centre. 35.Re1!]
35...Qc3 The Black manage to keep their king from the white attack through exchanges. 36.exf6 Qxe3
	[In case of, 36...gxf6 the White might have decided to change queens. 37.Qf4 but the Black achieved their goal. 37...Qc7!]
37.f7+ An important transitional move that left e5 under the command of white knight. 37...Kxf7 38.fxe3 Rc3 The rook activity guarantees the black a comfortable endgame. 39.Re1 They have to passively defend the pawn. 39...g5 An unobvious decision.
	[A quite cliche game is arising, 39...Nd7 40.Kg3 Bd3 with an equal balance.]
40.hxg6+ Nxg6 The control is passed, and now its time for mild thinking. Exchange of the pawns on g6 did not change the situation. A draw is more likely to occur. In lines, the sides have chances for the balance of the game. To help the White to win is only possible through an exchange on g6 that will guarantee the knight an ownership over e5. But in this case, the black rook might enter on c2. Counting is required... 41.g5 The hunt for the black king has already begun. But the chances for the White to create threats are slim.
	[I considered this line, 41.Bxg6+ Kxg6 42.Kg3 Rc2 43.Ne5+ Kg7 44.Ra1 (with an idea to push forward through a2-a3) 44...Rb2! 45.Rc1!
		(the following is poor 45.a3? due to 45...Rxb3 46.axb4 a4!)
	45...Rxa2 46.Rc7+ Kg8 the White, as minimum, has draw with the repetition of the moves. Nothing more can be observed...]
41...hxg5 To keep it alive is not recommended. 42.Nxg5+ Kf6 The repetition of the move with the knight jumping to h5 and back to g5 is inevitable. The White definitely does not have anything. However, the Black can keep on fighting. 43.Nh7+
	[The following move is denied very nicely, 43.Nxe6 Ne5!! 44.dxe5+ Kxe6 45.Kg2 Kxe5 46.Kf2 Bd3! And this ending, unexpectedly, turns out to be difficult for the White.]
43...Kg7 44.Ng5 An important moment. To play 44. e5 or to agree to a draw? The lines, after 44...e5 and 45. e4!, are non-trivial. 44...e5 Good job, Wang Yue! He is really ambitious! 45.dxe5 Some kind of concession. Sasha had belived his rival. .
	[[After the sharp answer 45.e4! the chances of both sides stay approximately equel.But it's too hard to indicate the short and exact line... unless... 45...Kf6 46.Nh7+ Ke7 47.exd5 Bd3 48.Bxd3 Rxd3 49.dxe5 Rxd5 50.Kg3 Rxe5 and here one can see the circuits of forthcoming peace.]
45...Nxe5 46.Ne6+ It becomes obvious that Grishuk complicates his way to a draw.
	[It was worthy to lead the king the center - 46.Kg3]
46...Kf6 47.Nd4 The knight found his perfect place on the board, but the king remained on h2. The Black can force the profitable exchange by manoeuvre of bishop on d3. 47...Bd3! The buldog has seized it in a death grip! The very unpleasent pressure of the Black.... They threten them not only by exchange and the chek on g4 but also by the dash of the king on e4. 48.Bxd3 Nxd3 49.Rf1+ Ke5 The goal is not so far from. If �3 pawn falls, the Black will get the perfect winning position. This can not be allowed to happen! Now, there can't be any inaccuracies. 50.Rf8 This is right - the counterattack from the rear. 50...Nc1 This is probably a ceasefire!
	[This is more dangerous for the White 50...Ke4 For example, 51.Re8+ Ne5 52.Kg2 Rxe3 53.Nc6 Kf5 54.Rf8+ Ke6 55.Nxa5 Re2+ 56.Kg3 Rxa2 The White is about to lose]
51.Re8+ Kd6 The visually simple endgame turns into an entertaining thriller! A double blow on b5 doesn't scare Wang Yue. 52.Re6+
	[In reality, there were no sacrifices - 52.Nb5+ Kd7 and this is no good move 53.Nxc3? bxc3 54.Rf8 c2 55.Rf2 Ne2! with the Black winning]
52...Kd7 53.Ra6 Rc5 54.Kg3 At last! The white king will save the situation by returning to the centre. 54...Nxa2 An extra pawn cannot help the Black to win. 55.Kf4 Activity is the most important in this game. 55...Nc1 56.Ra7+ Kd6 57.Ra6+ Kd7 58.Ra7+ Kd6 59.Ra6+ An interesting game! In the middle of it, the chances for the White to survive were little, but Wang Yue demonstrated an amazingly exact defense, by protecting himself from the forthcoming attack and even took over the initiative. However, in the end, he did not use his chance. The standings for the leaders are still the same. It was GM Sergey Shipov who commented on this thrilling game. See you tomorrow, and have a nice evening! 1/2-1/2