Chess: Magnus Carlsen beats Ian Nepomniachtchi to retain world title

Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen retained his world chess title on Friday as he recorded a fourth win over Russian challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Carlsen sealed victory by winning the 11th game of the 14-game series in their two-million-euro ($2.3 million) match in Dubai.

Nepomniachtchi resigned with a brief handshake and the two players exchanged a few words.

Carlsen, who turned 31 during the competition, has now won five world titles in a row, taking the first in 2013.

The contest in Dubai started with five draws before the Norwegian won the longest game ever played at a world championships at nearly eight hours to unlock the contest.

Carlsen exploited mis-steps by his opponent to win games eight and nine. Then, as black in Friday’s game 11, pounced on more inaccuracies by the Russian to retain the title 7.5-3.5 with three games still to play.

As winner he collects 60 per cent of the 2 millon dollar (1.77m euro) prize fund.

“It’s hard to feel that great joy when the situation was so comfortable to begin with, but I’m happy with a very good performance overall,” Carlsen told the post-match press conference.

He said his marathon first win was pivotal.

“Game six decided everything,” Carlsen said.

“After five games there were five draws and I had very few chances to…

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