DUBAI – After nine games at this year’s FIDE World Championship, Magnus Carlsen, has taken a 6-3 lead in his 14-game title defence against challenger Ian ‘Nepo’ Nepomniachtchi.
Nepomniachtchi appeared on stage at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo 2020 Dubai visibly different, having shed his signature topknot for a new haircut. With Nepo playing at high speed. Champion Carlsen soon found himself facing serious time trouble, having just over a minute per move for the 17 moves needed to reach move 40 and gain a supplemental hour.
However, this off-the-board pressure to create on the board chances approach backfired again for the challenger. After a few minutes of thought, an incredibly sloppy move blundered material, and Carlsen was visibly shocked and puzzled when he saw this gifted opportunity in front of him.
After 39 moves, Nepomniachtchi threw in the towel.
FACT SHEET, Game 9, FIDE (International Chess Federation) World Championship:
White: Ian Nepomniachtchi, Russia
Black: Magnus Carlsen, Norway
Result: 0-1
Match score: 3-6, Carlsen leads
Game length: 39
Opening: English Opening
Variation: Reversed Schmid Benoni
The ceremonial first chess piece move was made by Grandmaster – Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa with the presence of FIDE Deputy President – Bachar Kouatly and Ayelen Martinez – organiser of the World School Chess Tournament.
The World Championship will be played over 14 classical games for a EUR 2 million (USD 2.25 million) prize fund, with 60 per cent going to the winner and 40 per cent to the runner-up. It was originally scheduled to start on 20 December last year, but was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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