Aronian, L. – Radjabov, T.

2797 2014 · Draw · View this game on Lichess

Armenian Levon Aronian, once ranked World No. 2 and long celebrated as a magician of tactical imagination, squares off against Azerbaijani Teimour Radjabov, a super-GM renowned for his rock-solid defensive style and his fondness for offbeat openings — making the Modern Defence a natural fit for him. Aronian, known for his wit and love of culture, is said to have once dedicated a tournament victory to his cat, a charming reminder that he brings genuine joy to even the most competitive events. In this 2014 encounter, Aronian’s flair for the unexpected must find a way through Radjabov’s disciplined and tenacious resistance.