Magnus Carlsen Repeats at World Chess Championship
3:39 pm ET
Nov 23, 2014
By JONATHAN ZALMAN
After Sunday’s eleventh game of the 2014 FIDE World Chess Championship in Sochi, Russia—a repeat victory for title-holder Magnus Carlsen—the Norwegian looked worn, flashing both the mental fatigue of a two-week fight and emotional joy of victory.
“Today was one of the toughest days of all,” said a raspy Carlsen, “but I’m so happy I was able to push through.”
The critical move in the penultimate game of the match came when challenger Viswanathan Anand, in desperate need of a victory, sacrificed his rook (27 …Rb4) in a bold—yet ultimately ineffective—maneuver. Soon, and with a knowing glance, Anand offered his hand in resignation to Carlsen. “I played it quite forcefully and he didn’t have any chances,” said Carlsen, who won the match 6.5 – 4.5 (best-of-twelve).
Last year, playing in Anand’s native Chennai, India, Carlsen needed just 10 games to unseat his opponent, whose shaky play was uncharacteristic of the four-time defending champion.
But Anand played better in this year’s match. Carlsen struck first, in game 2, after an Anand blunder allowed Carlsen’s queen to seal a winning position. “My nerves were the first to crack,” said Anand.
Anand hit right back with a win in game 3 that showcased his ample preparation in the Queens Gambit Declined. It was Anand’s first victory against Carlsen in championship play.
Full article here.
Magnus was lucky he didn’t play Nakamura. Otherwise, he would have been punished.
Do you know your Nakamura has been defeated by Aronian in an exhibition game
Yup. Naka Muda won easily
Your bromance with Nakamura consistently clouds your judgment. He was nowhere near qualified as a candidate. To wit, Sinqfield.
And I am a Naka fan.
Naka just has to prove himself at the board. Obviously he’s a great player but if he wants to beat Carlsen then all he needs to do is qualify.
Nakamura has never even beaten Carlsen at a single classical timed game.