I've been in a bad form in this tournament losing the first two games and my confidence level plummeted rock bottom. Despite the early setback, I looked forward to the 3rd round with so much anticipation on getting back on the win column. Then came this game - a Sicilian Maróczy Bind (c4) tried for the first time. My style of play has always been fight to the finish - no draw - it's either win or loss. My third round opponent is a young player rated 1700+ way below my peak 2024 rating. This should have been a one sided affair but "wallah", a pawn down entering middle game.
I can't make a headway going for an all out pawn storm attack on the Kingside. My aggressive side prodded me to sacrifice my very active Bishop in move 37 hoping to baffle my opponent but he survived. My only consolation going into the end game was my time - ahead of about 20 minutes. I'm on the losing end in materials and in position - I can sense the confidence of the young man growing as he systematically advancing his passed pawn.
But there's always a glimmer of hope - a winner never quits - fight to the bitter end. Then came the dagger - a big blunder I was hoping for - a swindle in chess that happens only once in a while - Carlsen and Anand was no exception in World Championship game. This is my first swindle win in tournament play against all odds - fighting spirit saved me from going down three games in a row.
Lesson learned in chess is the value of not giving up and surely chess imitates life. Absolutely not proud of this win but the outcome gave me a big sigh of relief. Sometimes a win comes unexpectedly that makes it very special.
A win is a win - no matter what!
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Fight To The Bitter End - Sicilian Maróczy Bind
Rulix Batistil vs Derick Aghamalian
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