Some chess from the Chinese Championship
SPRAGGETT ON CHESS
gm Lu Shanglei
Black’s kingdom for a check!
33. Rh8!!!
POSITION AFTER 28 MOVES
gm Lu Shanglei
gm Li Shilong
Finding himself a piece down for a pawn, Black is lost, but not totally lost; the position is enough imbalanced to offer significant counterchances. White must therefore play with great energy for otherwise Black’s d-pawn will advance and White will risk even being worse should he lose his b-pawn.
29.Ra7!
The correct plan! Given that the Black pawns can not be stopped from advancing, White seeks a counter attack against the Black monarch. What better way of using an extra piece other than using it for the offence!
29…d3! 30.Rxg7!
The Rook can not be taken as the Black Queen will be lost…
30…d2!
Threatening mate! It has become a horse race!
31. Rh7! Kg8 32.Be6 Kf8
Black’s kingdom for a check!
Unfortunately, it is White’s move and he has a forced mate!
33. Rh8!!!