Traps, Tricks & Mistakes: More Missed Chances

Uzbek GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov seems to exert a disturbing influence on his opponents during the games. In a previous post we saw the game he played against GM Anish Giri in the FIDE World Cup 2021. Giri missed then up to five chances to win the game.

Two years later, in the prestigious tournament Tata Steel, German GM Vincent Keymer experienced the same frustration against the Uzbek. They played in round 9, with Keymer having the white pieces. After 8 rounds, Abdusattorov led the table with 6 points (1 point ahead of Giri -5-) while Keymer was at the bottom with 2,5. In theory a good chance for Abdusattorov for winning the game and increasing his advantage. But Keymer came in an excellent mindset, played an accurate opening and pressed for nearly seven hours.

However, the fatigue after his effort, his opponent’s schrewd defense and Abdusattorov’s disturbing influence were reasons for Keymer’s last inaccuracy that led to losing all his advantage and just drawing the game. But before the end, Keymer missed up to five chances for increasing his advantage and/or winning the game. See by yourselves:

Keymer made a huge effort trying to defeat the tournament leader. His endgame position with a powerful knight outposted on e5, a more active rook on the sixth rank, and Black’s isolated d-pawn, gave him big chances. However, with his resourceful defense Abdusattorov managed to hold the game.

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