Carlsen claims Chess World Cup title

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Magnus Carlsen emerged triumphant as he defeated India’s Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa in a tiebreak showdown on Thursday, securing his standing because the Chess World Cup champion.

Following a pair of drawn matches within the preliminary levels of the ultimate, Carlsen dominated the primary of the 2 tiebreak video games and managed a draw within the subsequent spherical, solidifying his grasp on the coveted World Cup title for the primary time in his profession.

With this victory, the Norwegian grandmaster has achieved a exceptional feat, having clinched victory in each distinguished particular person classical chess event. Described by Chess.com as having “completed chess,” Carlsen has undoubtedly etched his identify within the annals of the game along with his conquest in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Even Carlsen himself acknowledged the magnitude of his achievement on social media. Posting a rhetorical query, “Chess?” together with a GIF from the favored UK TV present ‘The Inbetweeners,’ the place a personality humorously declares, “Completed it”.

The last match between the seasoned grandmaster and the younger Indian prodigy Praggnanandhaa, generally known as Pragg, was exceptionally gripping. The opening pair of attracts captured the eye of tens of millions worldwide, with the stay stream of the preliminary last recreation alone drew a staggering 115,000 viewers, whereas the tiebreak commanded an viewers of over 150,000.

In the tiebreak, structured as a two-game fast match, Carlsen showcased his prowess because the reigning World Rapid Champion and world No. 1. He adeptly outmaneuvered Pragg, subjecting the 18-year-old to time strain and securing victory within the first tiebreak recreation. Requiring solely a draw to grab his inaugural World Cup title, Carlsen adeptly maintained his place, additional embellishing his assortment of chess accolades.

Pragg, who had earlier made historical past because the youngest worldwide chess grasp on the age of 10 years, 10 months, and 19 days, showcased his prowess by conquering two of the world’s prime three gamers en path to the ultimate. Furthermore, his efficiency secured his berth within the 2024 Candidates Tournament, the battleground for figuring out the contender who will problem for the World Chess Championship.

The winner of the Candidates Tournament will contend for the coveted title in opposition to the reigning champion, Ding Liren of China. Ding’s triumph marked the top of five-time champion Carlsen’s reign, as he selected to not defend his title earlier this 12 months.