(1) Shirov,A (2749) - Aronian,L (2783) [C89]
Shanghai Masters Shanghai CHN (6), 08.09.2010



1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 0-0 8.c3 d5 9.exd5 Nxd5 10.Nxe5 Nxe5 11.Rxe5 c6 12.d4 Bd6 13.Re1 Qh4 14.g3 Qh3 15.Be3 Bg4 16.Qd3 Rae8 17.Nd2 Qh5 18.Bc2 Although there are certainly more recent references, it is worth noting that the players are following their own game from last year's Grand Slam Final, when Shirov had chosen 18.a4 and lost after a blunder at the end. Despite the opening not being the culprit, nor had it been inspiring, so White chooses a different line.

18...f5 19.f3 Bh3 20.Bf2 Nf4 21.gxf4 Bxf4 22.Bg3 Qg5 23.Bb3+ Kh8 24.Nf1 h5 25.Qc2N [25.Rxe8 Rxe8 26.Bf7 Re7 27.Bxh5 Bxf1 28.Qxf1 Be3+ 29.Kh1 Qxh5 was the previously known line though only draws ensued.]

25...h4 26.Qf2 Bxf1 27.Qxf1 hxg3 28.Qh3+ Qh6 29.Qxh6+ gxh6 30.hxg3 Bxg3 31.Re6 Rxe6 32.Bxe6 Re8 33.Bxf5 Re2








There really isn't much to say. The line has been pretty straightforward with few alternatives. Black's rook on the 2nd, combined with the potential threat of the h-pawn should White decide to stray with his bishop, ensure an easy draw.

34.a4 [34.Rb1 h5 35.Bd7 h4 36.Bxc6 h3= ]

34...Rxb2 35.axb5 axb5 36.Ra6 h5 37.Rxc6 h4 38.Rb6 Kg7 39.Bd7 Be1 40.Rxb5 Rxb5 41.Bxb5 Bxc3 42.d5 1/2-1/2