Pinoy chess tactics No.7

Recognized as a deadly King's Indian Attack (KIA) player, GM Mark Paragua showed his world-class chess prowess by beating another world-class chess personality in GM Levon Aronian in this Round 6 encounter of the 7th Linares Anibal 11 years ago.

GM Paragua was only 16 and an International Master when he met GM Aronian, already 18 and a GM at that time I guess, in this match.

Eleven years has indeed made a big difference between Paragua and Aronian. Aronian, the sixth player in chess history to break the 2800 barrier, is now the world's No.3 strongest player with an Elo rating of 2808 (March 2011).

Paragua, who made history in Philippine chess by being the first to hurdle the 2600 mark (his highest was 2621 in April 2006), is now slowly getting back to his old form. He is now the country's No.3 strongest player with an Elo rating of 2547.

Now at 27, I hope - and believe - that GM Mark could still get back to where he used to be and even do better.

Happy birthday, GM Mark!

SOLVE THIS CHESS QUIZ. How did then IM Paragua proceed in this game? DON'T MOVE THE PIECES BY YOURSELF. Analyze the position first and guess for the move before CLICKING the single-move button (second button from right). To view the whole game, simply click the "Games" button below the board and choose item No.2.

REQUIRES JAVA
Position after Black's 17...Nde7