The final round arrived, pitting me against a 1773-rated player. I had the white pieces.
My confidence had rebounded after the previous round, and I was determined to end the tournament on a high note. Unlike my earlier listless performances, I aimed to display fighting spirit and challenge my opponent.
The game began with a Petroff Defense-like opening. My opponent made some dubious moves, allowing me to secure a slight edge. After 18…Nxd5?, I focused on pressuring the vulnerable c7 pawn. However, my opponent mounted a solid defense, repositioning their pieces effectively and complicating my task.
I mishandled the attack, inefficiently shuffling my pieces and failing to press my advantage. A more patient approach, coupled with efforts to stifle counterplay, would have served me better.
My nerves got the better of me, affecting my focus on the position. I found myself distracted by imaginary threats and missed clear winning opportunities. Improving my composure and concentration remains a priority for future games.