The opening looks like it was played in the early 19th century. Couple things: my friend Fritz and I wondered what was black thinking on 10.....de ? Did he really think white would retake with 11. de? Seems obvious to snap off the bishop with the knight.

This data base lists 10. e5 as the first innovation. If so, black immediately goes wrong. Black even moves his knight back to f6 showing he wasted two moves for nothing.

No doubt about it, 14. Bg7 is the kind of move I, and many others, a queen sacrifice in the opening, have dreamed of playing, and in a deciding game! Motylev surely thought he was playing the game of his life (thus far anyway).

On move 19, white went into a big think. Why? Any 1700 rated player would have moved Nc3 in a moment. What else? Instead white tried for the brilliant 19. d5 ! cutting the queen off from swinging over to the kingside, to cause mischief there. Alas, Fritz gives the obvious Nc3, 2.00 plus, and d5, back to even. White had a few resources, eg. Q-a1, forcing Nb1, which he missed. Strangely, I think for a 2700 player.

15 Rd2 is inspired, but Fritz says simply 15. g5-h6 is about won.

Lastly, white missed the truly brilliant 29. d6 !!, and wins. Alas, white was down to two minutes for 10 moves or more, and was lucky to grab a small clear advantage. What is up with these Grandmasters who leave two minutes for the last 15 moves? If they continue to do this, I'm going to stop watching the games live !