Where it all went wrong for Giri against Gukesh

Round one of Tata Steel 2025 in Wijk ann Zee had its dramatics, headlined by a painful miss by Anish Giri against the new World Champion, Gukesh D. Giri was much better for most of the game, but on three occasions let it slip. The third was the one from which there was no recovering, as a totally won position became totally lost.

In the above position, Black’s best move was 35. …Ng4!!, protecting the bishop on h6 and threatening mate on g2/h2, to which White has no defence. Instead he played 35. …Qb6??, and it was hopeless after 36. Qf6+! Qxf6 37. exf6 Bxg2 38. Kxg2 Nd3, as Black’s minor pieces will not be able to stop the passed d-pawn. Giri resigned sorrowfully a few moves later.

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