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In 1991, Nigel Short and Jan Timman played a particularly memorable game in Tilburg, which is often celebrated for its elegance and the beautiful finale executed by Short. This game is recognized for its strategic brilliance and the captivating conclusion.
The game started as a Sicilian Defense, Richter-Rauzer Attack, a well-known and sharp variation.
Nigel Short introduced an interesting pawn sacrifice on move 15 (15. d5) to disrupt Black’s pawn structure and create imbalances.
There were moments of strategic maneuvering and tactical complications as the game progressed, with both players showcasing their deep understanding of the position.
The critical and memorable moment came later in the game when Short sacrificed his queen with a stunning move (29. Qxf6+!!), leading to a sequence of brilliant moves that ended with an elegant checkmate.
Short’s queen sacrifice was a key sacrifice that exposed Black’s king and allowed White to deliver a spectacular checkmate, making it a memorable game in chess history.
This game is often highlighted for the remarkable combination leading to the sacrificed queen and the artistic finish by Nigel Short. It’s recognized as one of the standout games of that tournament and is cherished for its tactical beauty and the finesse displayed by Short in executing the final mating attack.