Oopsie!

There has been one game each in rounds 3 and 4 of the Tata Steel (aka Corus) tournament decided by one of the top players in the world simply blundering in the opening. On one level that reassures me - "we all do it" sometimes. And still... it seems hard to believe.

Well here was a very memorable moment from last year's Corus. I was in the media room when I heard analysts murmuring that Vassily Ivanchuk had just blundered against Magnus Carlsen. People were shaking their heads and asking why he plays like a genius at times and then makes such bonehead plays as well. Apparently he has that reputation.

I rushed out to the playing area and captured the moment on film. Notice the buzz that something just happened at Magnus' board and all the players coming over to see. Then watch Vassily's eyes as he tries to save face somehow. Too late, the damage was done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COynUB-vmRg

Hey, it happens....