The battle between two products of the computer age has finally come to an end. It was the fourth tie-break game where Magnus Carlsen played a 50 Qh6+!! to seal the fate of the game and the championship. The Russian underdog Sergey Karjakin, who fought valiantly through the classical games forcing a tie-breaker, failed to turn the one point deficit.

The World Chess Championship in New York 2016 will surely go down as one of the most interesting matches in history of the sport, fought between two exceptionally talented grandmasters. Carlsen was the favourite even before the challenger was announced and the other who was believed as a rather “easy” opponent for the world champion. This is the Norwegian’s second successful title defense after he became champion in 2013. He also celebrated his 26th Birthday on the day, retaining his title in a marathon of a tournament.

However, one thing that was learnt from this championship, no challenger will go down without a strong fight. Just like Karjakin proved himself as one of the “toughest cookie” to crack.

Error’s unexploited at the World Chess Championship 2016

Both the challenger and the champion were prone to numerous errors during the match. However, luckily for them their opponent could not punish them every time they erred. Magnus Carlsen missed out on opportunities to win in both games 3 and 4 due to vehement defensive play of his opponent. Karjakin, however, failed to exploit Carlsen’s mistake in game 5.

Once the classical schedule ended after 12 meticulous games. The advantage once again shifted in favour of the World Champion Magnus Carlsen to exploit his opponent’s time taking play in the rapid rounds.  

Just like the classical games, the tie-breaks too began with a hard-fought draw and it followed with another draw. And, it seemed that the two would go the distance into the Blitz or even the Armageddon to decide who takes the crown. But, Carlsen had other plans and the tournament finally took its toll over the challenger.

Magnus Carlsen grinds out the win

The champion playing dark-coloured pieces opted to up his attacks. He did so by sacrificing a pawn to let his pieces penetrate into Karjakin’s defense. The challenger suffered and the time control only made it worse as the Russian came up with a blunder in the 38th move gifting Magnus Carlsen the lead for the first time in the championship.

In need of a win to salvage the match, Sergey Karjakin began with an opening not consistent to his style of play. But, the result was the same as the previous game. Carlsen picked a slight advantage early in the game and kept pressing hard on Karjakin, who continued to face time-troubles. And, Carlsen kept building his advantage and finally it came to a situation where Karjakin would be checkmate. That move was 50. Qh6+!!.

And, the tie-breaks ended at 3-1. Norway’s Magnus Carlsen once again successfully defended his throne and will remain the world champion at least till the next World Chess Championship.

To recap the games played at the World Chess Championship 2016, click here.

Image Courtesy: Associated Press