In chess, when not playing well, finding the best moves is not easy. Consistently making the best moves is more difficult. In spite of all the worries, to filter out a SCHOOL-BOY FINISH — sacrificing the strongest piece on the board — to keep the world title is not expected from lesser mortals. Magnus Carlsen did it all in welcoming his moment of glory. Not many doubt that he is firmly on course to attain greatness.
Magnus Carlsen has doneit again. With his third world classical chess ti-tle in three years, the Norwegian had an added reason to celebrate his 26th birthday.
In what was clearly his toughest world chess championship match, Carlsen overcame spells of self-doubt, a frustrating loss and a gritty rival in Sergey Karjakin to keep the title he snatched from five-time winner Viswanathan Anand.
THE TWO YOUNG TALENTS, with proven credentials, battled for 12 games in classical format in New York. A 6-6 deadlock, after Karjakin won Game Eight and Carlsen bounced back in Game 10, meant it was time for tie-break rapid games. Carlsen won the four-game decisive phase 3-1.
Since the latest world title was also decided on the results of the rapid games, the debate stood reopened regarding the format of the championship. How could rapid games decide the world champion in the classical format? The debate continues with Carlsen, in spite of coming through the format three times in as many attempts, not in favour of the current system.
Coming back to the championship, the progression from Game 1 reflected Carlsen’s superiority that he eventually asserted in the tie-breaker.
THE WORLD OF CHESS appreciated Karjakin’s resilience throughout the contest and the spirit with which he took the result. The Russian challenger was also candid in admitting that he committed some mistakes and could not recall, in time, from the huge amount of opening preparation right through the match.
Pre-match poll suggested that every eight out of 10 chess fans thought Carlsen would win. Not surprisingly, the duration of the classical battle saw Carlsen looking better 80 per cent of the time, pressing for victory on more occasions than Karjakin.
Denne historien er fra December 17, 2016-utgaven av Sportstar.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 17, 2016-utgaven av Sportstar.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Tokyo Marathon Cancelled For Amateurs On Coronavirus Fears
Organisers in Japan cancelled the amateur portion of the Tokyo marathon, affecting around 38,000 runners, on fears about the spread of the new coronavirus in Japan.
Right Criteria To Pick The Tennis GOAT
What should the criteria be? What weight should be attached to each criterion? And what should not be considered as valid criteria?
The making of a batting behemoth
If Steve Smith dominated the Ashes in England in a dramatic, blockbuster fashion then his like for like a replacement, Marnus Labuschagne, is the Next Big Thing after an exciting summer of run-glut.
WHEN ACES WERE REWARDED...
It was an evening of nostalgia and celebration when the Sportstar Aces awards were given away in Mumbai.
A question of recognition
After a week of awards, one wonders if it’s only a departed player that one will be named after.
Thinking straight, thinking right!
“A lot depends on when I am bowling and what is required from me. That’s something I do when I play for India and I try to follow the same thing in the domestic circuit,” says Yuzvendra Chahal.
The Big Three and the Next Gen
Though the Big Three are very unlikely to retire during the same year, Judy Murray, mother of Andy, echoed the sentiments of many fans worried about the impact of their departures.
WAKING UP TO MENTAL HEALTH
Sport at large and cricket specifically has taken an inordinately long time to address the elephant in the room — the dark abyss of depression.
Like sunshine in a gloomy dressing room
Bangladesh quick Abu Jayed Rahi is new in the red-ball arena, but his swing brings back old memories — of James Anderson on green tops.
The league of the masses
With traditional clubs locking horns with the hard-working nurseries of the game, the I-League will continue to keep the beating heart of Indian football alive despite official apathy.
