Returning to the board, Mamedyarov looks at Anand’s outstretched hand with bemusement. It can’t be a draw offer – that would be a rude way to do it, and besides, the tournament rules prohibit an early peace treaty. No, Anand is resigning! He looks crestfallen, like a child whose ice cream has fallen to the ground. Mamedyarov pauses before taking his hand, and now Anand looks puzzled by his opponent’s hesitation. Here is the position:
Vishy Anand-Shakhriyar Mamedyarov
Norway Chess, June 2022
(See left diagram)
Anand had just played 22 Qd3-b5, which pressures e8 and b7. No sooner had he played it than he spotted the flaw – Black can win on the spot with the brilliant 22…Qxf3+!, since 23 Kxf3 Nh4 is mate. White resigns
It was a cruel twist in an otherwise excellent tournament for the former world champion, who was in contention for first place throughout much of the event in Stavanger earlier this month.
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