In a highly anticipated showdown, Magnus Carlsen emerged triumphant over Hikaru Nakamura in the grand finals of the Speed Chess Championship. The two chess titans have consistently dominated the competition, making their clash a recurring spectacle. While Nakamura narrowly won last year’s final, this time it was Carlsen who secured victory by a single win after an intense two-hour battle.
The final match consisted of three segments with different time controls: 5+1, 3+1, and 1+1. Unlike the previous year, Carlsen took an early lead and seemed to have the upper hand. However, Nakamura’s resilience and some uncharacteristic mistakes from Carlsen kept the difference to just one point heading into the 3+1 section.
Nakamura, known for his aggressive playstyle, managed to establish a significant three-point lead at one point, surprising both fans and commentators. Although the scores were tied going into the bullet portion, Nakamura had the momentum on his side. The final segment began with a mouseslip from Carlsen, costing him his queen and the first game. Nevertheless, Carlsen quickly recovered and secured multiple crucial wins, putting Nakamura in a must-win situation.
In a thrilling turn of events, both players missed several winning opportunities in the chaotic final game. Despite Nakamura’s devastating attacks, Carlsen found a stunning double rook sacrifice to secure the series. This victory marked Carlsen’s third win in the Speed Chess Championship, with his previous triumphs occurring in 2016 and 2017. Nakamura, who had won the championship five times in a row, graciously accepted defeat.
Reflecting on the match, Carlsen admitted that he did not perform at the same level as in his dominant semifinal against Wesley So. He attributed his struggles to his brain shutting off during scrambles, referring to the fast-paced nature of the game. Carlsen expressed his desire to achieve his goals in the Speed Chess Championship, hinting at future exciting matches between him and Nakamura.
Nakamura, despite the initial setback, expressed satisfaction with his overall performance. He hinted at the possibility of more thrilling matches between him and Carlsen in the future, alluding to a rumored quasi-championship match with different time controls. The rivalry between these two chess prodigies shows no signs of waning, ensuring an exciting future for the Speed Chess Championship.
Author: Unknown
Source: DOTESPORTS
