12th Norwegian Chess R6: Ding Liren makes a shocking checkmate in two against Magnus Carlsen

Magnus wins three consecutive Classic matches and becomes the new sole leader

There is a reason why game theory statistics favor Magnus Carlsen (NOR) as the leading contender to win the tournament. He became the only player to win three consecutive Classic matches. Praggnanandhaa is now 2.5 points behind Carlsen at 9.5/18.

Magnus Carlsen (NOR) took his third consecutive Classic victory to become the new sole leader 12/18

Carlsen – Read: 3-0

The first game of the first round between Magnus Carlsen (NOR, 2830) and Ding Liren (CHN, 2762) ended in a draw in 14 moves. Magnus won the match via Armageddon. However, this time something shocking happened. The world No. 1 had an inverted Benoni-type structure with the white pieces.

Post after 29.Re4

White’s threat is simple 30.Qxh7+ followed by Th4#. Obviously, Carlsen thought his opponent would see him and play 29…h6. He was evaluating the position after taking the d4 pawn 30.Bxd4 Bxd4 31.Rxd4. Then suddenly the world champion completely ignored the threat and played 29…Rb2 ?? 30.Qxh7+ and Black resigned.

From equal position to checkmate in two moves – Magnus Carlsen vs. Ding Liren, commentary by IM Sagar Shah | Video: ChessBase India

Ding Liren (CHN) made a shocking mistake against Magnus Carlsen (NOR)

Firouzja – Praggnanandhaa: 1.5-1

Alireza Firouzja (FRA, 2737) drew the first classic match against R Praggnanandhaa (2747) before the latter won Armageddon. This time too, the classic game ended in a draw after Praggnanandhaa made a necessary exchange sacrifice. During Armageddon also, Praggnanandhaa had to sacrifice an exchange. Due to time problems, he made some inaccuracies and lost the game.

Alireza Firouzja vs R Praggnanandhaa, Armageddon, commentary by IM Sagar Shah | Video: ChessBase India

Alireza Firouzja avenged his previous Armageddon defeat against R Praggnanandhaa

Nakamura – Caruana: 1-1.5

The classic match between Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 2794) and Fabiano Caruana (USA, 2805) once again ended in a draw. Nakamura didn’t like the position and he predicted the match would quickly end in a draw, which it did. He also mentioned after his Classic and before Armageddon that he hates Armageddon. This time he deviated 9.Rxf1 instead of playing his previously chosen Kxf1 in the Classic after 8…Bxf1.

Post after 19…fxe6

20.Nf1-e3 is the plausible maneuver. Instead, White opted for the strange 20.Ke1? h6 21.Bc1 ? in two moves, White’s position went from equal to terrible. Caruana is not one to miss these opportunities. He thwarted all his opponent’s attempts and achieved victory.