The following commentary comes from GM Yemelin at
http:///www.e3e5.com/eng/:Shirov,A (2720) - Leko,P (2741) C89
Tal Memorial Moscow RUS (3), 08.11.2006
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 0-0 8.c3 d5 9.exd5 Nxd5 10.Nxe5 Nxe5 11.Rxe5 c6 12.d4 Bd6 13.Re1 Qh4 14.g3 Qh3 15.Re4 g5 16.Qf1 Qh5 17.Nd2 Bf5 18.f3 Nf6 19.a4 Nxe4 20.Nxe4
It would have definitely been... highly unexpected if this variation had taken Leko by surprise.
20...Qg6!
An important novelty that solves black`s opening problems After20...Bxe4 21.fxe4 Kg7 Kurnosov-Azarov, Kusadasi 2006 black position was worse. Leko affirmed after the game his team analysed it all till the end. Please, read once again: "till the end"!
21.Nxd6 Qxd6 22.Bxg5 Rfe8 23.Re1
If 23.Qf2 Qg6 24.Bf4 Be6 25.Bc2 Bf5
23...Qg6
Also possible 23...c5
24.Be7 Ra7
After 24...Be6 25.Rxe6! (25.Bxe6 Rxe7 26.Bb3 Rae8 27.Re4 Rxe4 28.fxe4 bxa4) 25...fxe6 26.Bd6 white has full compensation for two qualities and initiative.
25.Bc5 Raa8 26.Be7 Ra7 27.Bc5 1/2-1/2
White king is underprotected on the 2nd rank and draw is a fair result. I should also like to add that this is the 3rd game in a row Leko finishes with draw by moves repetition. Does the Guinness record book have more room for a new article?