London Chess Classic

I manged a quick visit to the London Chess Classic this afternoon, and was able to experience the shear size of the event. Apart from the 10 player Classic, the FIDE Open had a field of over 200 players, while the weekend events have attracted another 300 players. Apart from the playing areas, the foyer was filled with analysis boards, and the large commentary room was 80% full.
I didn't stay for too long, but I did get to see one of the playoff games from the British Knockout Championship (another innovative event). Nigel Short was paired with Luke McShane and played a line against the Pirc which he said served him well against Yasser Seirawan about 25 years ago. Once Short played e6 McShane had to find the right defensive moves, but it was on move 12 that McShane played to wrong move. After that Short was always better, and won both the game and the playoff.


Short,Nigel - McShane,Luke [B00]
British Knockout Ch'ship Olympia Conference Centre (9.1), 10.12.2016

1. e4 d6 2. d4 g6 3. Be3 Bg7 4. Nc3 a6 5. h4 Nf6 6. f3 b5 7. g4 h5 8. e5 Nfd7 9. gxh5 Rxh5 10. e6 fxe6 11. Bd3 Nf8 12. f4 Bb7 13. Bxg6+ Kd7 14. Bxh5 Bxh1 15. Bf3 Bxf3 16. Nxf3 Qe8 17. Ng5 Qg6 18. Qf3 Nc6 19. O-O-O Rb8 20. Nce4 b4 21. Nc5+ dxc5 22. dxc5+ Bd4 23. Bxd4 Qe8 24. Bg7+ Kc8 25. Bxf8 Kb7 26. Nxe6 Qg6 27. Nd8+ Rxd8 28. Rxd8 Qg1+ 29. Rd1 Qg8 30. Bxe7 Qxa2 31. Bf6 Qc4 32. b3 Qxc5 33. Kb1 1-0