[ad_1]
Magnus Carlsen has raised the game on the Champions Chess Tour. Against Hikaru Nakamura, the 30-year-old was ruthless and secured a final game.
FOR THE FINAL ROUNDS: Magnus Carlsen continued on the Champions Chess Tour. Photo: Bjørn S. Delebekk
Aftenposten collaborates with VG-sporten. Therefore, as a reader of Aftenposten, you also get articles and services created by VG.
A place in the final rounds was on the line for Magnus Carlsen on the final day of the preliminary rounds of the Champions Chess Tour.
He was even at the top, and each point could be decisive to continue playing in the tournament. It became apparent in Monday’s first game against Aleksandr Grisjtsjuk, where Carlsen worked tirelessly to find a method to win the game.
After a frustrating Sunday with only one win, the 30-year-old wanted an early victory with black pieces.
Carlsen built a small playoff lead against the Russian and maneuvered for victory, but Grisjtsjuk held on. After 115 moves, only the kings remained on the board and the game ended in a draw.
also read
NRK is taking steps to limit the exposure of Carlsen’s advertising
Hikaru Nakamura won his leading game of the day, and in practice secured a final place before the deal against Carlsen.
The American and Norwegian frequently traded pieces early in the game, but in the playoffs Nakamura made a mistake. Carlsen followed the American’s attempt to change runners by making a tie that could be won by the opponent’s rook. A free farmer on the way to becoming queen created further trouble for Nakamura, who shook her head in despair. Finally, he stormed off the scene and acknowledged the loss.
– This is for Nakamura! It made a roar! stated NRK’s Torstein Bae.
also read
You can still vote on list 100
The victory over Nakamura put Carlsen in the lead in the tournament and secured promotion to the quarterfinals.
– I knew he was probably going ahead with a draw in that game, but of course it was good to see him go there, Carlsen tells NRK.
In the last match on Monday, the Norwegian hope met Jan Nepomnyashchij. The two quickly agreed to a draw, as they were both ready for the final.
– It was much better today. In the first game I played in a usable way, but it was a shame that I lost my chance to win. Against Nakamura, it was a coincidence that he had the opportunity, but it was good to secure promotion. I don’t know if the game had a punch today, but it was more accurate. I generally played a lot better, with a lot less mistakes, sums up Carlsen for the state channel.
The Christmas Space Chess Tournament is a replacement for the Lightning and Speed Chess World Cup, which is usually played during Space Christmas. This year, the grandmasters are on chess boards on the Internet. Carlsen misses sitting at the chess board, but sees the pros and cons of online tournaments.
– Psychologically, it is a difference to be at home. This makes time between parties easier. There are not as many distractions as in a tournament. But it’s also difficult to be fully focused when playing online, you think.
