An honorable defeat

My opponent was 1976, me 1509, classical game 75|10. When I resigned, my opponent had just 8 minutes on his clock. I think was a good game till 31. Bxa7 (something similar to the famous Fischer "mistake" in Reykijavik :) - What about if I should have made another move? I appreciate your help, because I am not particularly brilliant in analysis :)

Can't believe it

Why?

How can a 1976 play like this

#1 You get points for being a good sport. We need more people who can congratulate their opponent after a loss.

You could have drawn ... but it's okay if you try to go for victory and don't settle for the draw

@seanysean He's not really congratulating his opponent ...

Yep, 31 Bxa7 is what did it alright. But your position is quite okay there and the only thing you have to guard against is the Nc2 threat. 31 Bf2 comes to mind...but you can also leave the a-pawn unattended with say 31 Rc1 (since 31... Nxa2 32 Ra1 would only give your rook free rein on the queenside).

22 g3 wins a pawn