[Event "1997 Philippines Masters Classic"] [Site "Manila"] [Date "1997.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "FM Sales, Jesse Noel"] [Black "GM Bitoon, Richard"] [Result "1-0"] [PlyCount "45"] [GameId "2074401335027895"] [EventDate "1997.??.??"] [EventCountry "PHI"] {Some games are memorable because of the quality of play, the execution, and the overcoming of fear against much stronger opponents. In this featured game, I played against the formidable and respected IM Richard Bitoon. He has since become a fully-fledged GM and is now settled in the USA.} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bg5 {[#] The approach to countering the Grunfeld Defense with GM Bong Villamayor's treatment of the move 4. Bg5 has inspired me. This move aims to establish solid central control and enhance piece mobility, thereby rendering the position naturally advantageous for White.} Ne4 {The standard move for Black involves attacking the bishop on g4, but this does not permit Black to exchange it.} 5. Bh4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 Bg7 ({IF} 6... dxc4 7. e4 b5 8. a4 c6 9. Nf3 Bg7 10. Be2 O-O 11. Qc2 Nd7 12. O-O Nb6 13. a5) 7. cxd5 {Indeed, White must strengthen the central pawns' structure, and by removing the pawn on d5, White can gain significant control of the center.} Qxd5 8. Nf3 c5 {Black aims to challenge the center, yet coordinating central pawns addresses the issue effectively.} 9. e3 Nc6 10. Be2 cxd4 11. cxd4 Qa5+ {[#] I'm considering that Black is aiming for a quiet game by opting to exchange queens early on.} 12. Qd2 Qxd2+ 13. Kxd2 Bf5 {Currently, there is no danger from either side, but various outcomes are possible over time.} 14. Rac1 O-O 15. Rc5 {[#] Indeed, it's a strategic move for the rook to double up and then target the b7 pawn later on. The black bishop at g7 is limited in its scope as the white pawn on d4 forms a formidable barrier.} Rfc8 16. Rhc1 Bf8 {The obvious move is to target the rook at c5 as expected. We are now in a critical position where any error could prove to be fatal.} 17. Rb5 {Here we go... the first strike.} b6 $4 {The move 17. Nd8 is necessary as it simplifies the position without weakening the a6-b7 diagonal.} 18. Rxf5 $3 {[#] Indeed, it was a brilliant sacrifice, with the bishop on e2 emerging as the pivotal piece, masterfully controlling the f1-a6-b7 diagonal.} gxf5 19. Ba6 e6 20. Bb7 {[#] The 'Master Plan' involves the 18. Rxf5 sacrifice, with White aiming for a winning position in the ensuing rook endgame following a crucial exchange of pieces.} Ne7 21. Bxa8 {Correct exchange...} Rxa8 22. Bxe7 {Indeed, eliminating the dynamic knight and then occupying the 7th rank is a strategy aimed at securing an advantageous position.} Bxe7 23. Rc7 {[#] I have concluded the annotation at this point. Your task is to analyze how White secured victory from this position. This exercise is designed to enhance your endgame proficiency.} 1-0