Chess with Sam Collins

Sharjah Masters 2017

The inaugural Sharjah Masters attracted more than 50 grandmasters, including several rated over 2700. Strong open tournaments often feature upsets, and in the first round the strong GM Sandro Mareco fell victim to a creative attack by a young International Master from India.

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e5 7.Nb3 Be6 8.0–0 Be7 9.f4 b5

9...Qc7 is more popular, preparing to meet 10.f5 with ...