World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen (31) has taken a big step towards successfully defending his title at the World Chess Championship in Dubai. The Norwegian won the eighth match over his Russian rival Jan Nepomengacheche (31) on Sunday and is now in the lead with 5:3 points. The third day of rest is on Monday, before game nine continues on Tuesday (1.30pm).
“I am very happy with the result,” Carlsen said. “It’s huge. I’m so tired and looking forward to the day off.”
Know each other since childhood
After 46 moves and about four hours of playing, Nepomengacheche, who was almost in a desperate situation, shook hands with Carlsen and stopped playing. So Carlsen can play safely in the upcoming matches.
There is a maximum of 14 matches, the correct start changes after each match. One point is awarded for a win and half a point is awarded for a tie. Whoever reaches 7.5 points first is the world champion.
Carlsen, who successfully defended his title in 2014, 2016 and 2018, has known his opponent since childhood.
“Creator. Troublemaker. Reader. Tv nerd. Proud beer advocate. Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Introvert. Certified zombie practitioner. Thinker.”
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