The World Chess Championship began in Dubai with a draw in 45 moves. The Russian player Jan Nepomnjaschtschi forced a repetition against Magnus Carlsen from Norway on Friday in an even position after four hours of play. World champion Carlsen played black and offered a pawn sacrifice on move eight, which most commentators were new to and which so far had only been played in games between powerful computer programs. Nepomnyashchi was prepared but could not find a way to take advantage and sacrificed the pawn to get off the defensive.
The 31-year-old challenger from Russia spoke of a “fine game by Magnus”. Carlsen admitted “some nervous moments”, but was satisfied with the point-sharing achieved. In the second game on Saturday from 1.30 p.m. German time, the Norwegian has the white pieces.
According to the ruling of the World Anti-Doping Agency Wada, the flag and symbols of Russia are not allowed to be displayed. Nepomnyashchi therefore competes under the logo of the Russian Chess Federation. Before the first game, the words “Chess Federation of Russia” were removed from the gaming table. Now there is only the abbreviation FCR.
Nepomnyashchi is only fifth in the world rankings, but before the start of the World Cup, in a direct comparison with industry leader Carlsen, he had a record of 4-1 wins with six draws. He is also considered a player who can combine very quickly and, in the event of a tie, could keep up in the decisive rapid or blitz chess mode. A maximum of 14 games are played, the starting right changes after each match. One point is awarded for a win and half a point for a draw. Whoever reaches 7.5 points first is world champion.
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