| Garech: I just had a quick look with Fritz to see what the situation was - much as I suspected, black was better for a lot of the middlegame here. 21...Nxh3! was playable E.g. 22.gxh3 Bxh3:
click for larger viewwith a probable Qd7 coming next. Coffeehouse stuff, but apparently it was good for an edge. Howell's pawn sac with 20...c5 I thought to be very instructive - the amount of play he gets for it results in a practically winning position and when the pawn is won back 8 moves later with 28...Bxa4 black's position is a fine example of active positional play: 
click for larger viewThe winning of the bishop pair was another key moment in the game for black and they provided great play throughout. However, it was at move 37 that Howell faltered (maybe in time trouble?) with ...Bd5 as 38.Rxa7 leaves black with only the slightest of edges. My electronic friend believes that Rxd7 retained a huge edge and probably winning chances; 38.Nxc4 is forced, and next comes Bc5: 
click for larger viewwith all the chances the remaining middlegame/endgame. Short fought hard and got the advantage back during the endgame, and Howell was skilfull in ensuring the draw - but, in my opinion anyway, he deserved the win in this one. Great game! -Garech | 
