Rd. 1 - GM Wesley So vs. GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave

Written and annotated by GM Alejandro Ramirez.
 

So’s greedy approach in the opening was severely punished. Despite having an extra pawn, his position was simply terrible. Black’s pieces were too active and controlled the board. After White had to give up his light-squared bishop for the opponent’s knight it was clear that So was just trying to survive. He was unable to do so, and MVL took his extra exchange to victory.