Nakamura and Aronian drew Game 1 of the FIDE Grand Prix 2022
Game 1 of the FIDE Grand Prix 2022 finals between Hikaru Nakamura and Levon Aronian ended in an eventful draw.
The game started with the Ruy Lopez and Nakamura spent 11 minutes to play 11.Nc3 in one of the main lines of the opening. One move later though and after 8 minutes of thinking, Nakamura played 12.Nh2 which seems to be a novelty.
Aronian found himself with a pawn up and a better position according to the computer, but Nakamura was clearly into the compensation mode.
The American GM and streamer was more resourceful than ever and managed to equalise the position and even play for the win. After a nervous time trouble phase both players reached move 40 which gave them time to elaborate some more of their ideas.
Eventually the game ended in a nice draw by perpetual check with three queens on the board!
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