2014 US Open Game 8

I've reached the penultimate round of the 2014 U.S. Open with 2.5 points out of a possible 7. The leaders in the U1600 section had 4 points, and because this was an open swiss, should be paired up against much stronger players in the final rounds. This would give me a chance to finally catch up as I expected to play against some lighter competition.

But, the chess gods were not happy with me and I was paired up with a 2200 rated National Master who was having a much worse tournament than me! I'll admit that when I saw the pairings I was quite distressed and even felt that this surely ended my chances of placing well in the section.

I came to Orlando to play against tough opponents. I didn't think this would happen, though, at the end of the tournament when I had so few points. But now in retrospect I am glad I got this pairing. It is the first master I have played in a rated game and I feel that I played respectably for much of the game.