Magnus wins three Classical games in-a-row, emerges new sole leader
There is a reason Game Theory stats favor Magnus Carlsen (NOR) as the top contender to win the tournament. He became the sole player to win three Classical games in-a-row. Praggnanandhaa is now 2.5 points behind Carlsen at 9.5/18.
Carlsen - Liren: 3-0
The first game of the first round between Magnus Carlsen (NOR, 2830) and Ding Liren (CHN, 2762) ended in a 14-move draw. Magnus won the match via Armageddon. However, this time, something shocking happened. The world no.1 had a reverse Benoni-like structure with the white pieces.
White's threat is simple 30.Qxh7+ followed by Rh4#. Obviously, Carlsen thought that his opponent will see it 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 overlooked the threat and played 29...Rb2?? 30.Qxh7+ and Black resigned.
Firouzja - Praggnanandhaa: 1.5-1
Alireza Firouzja (FRA, 2737) drew the first Classical game against R Praggnanandhaa (2747) before the latter went on to win the Armageddon. This time also the Classical game ended in a draw after Praggnanandhaa made a necessary exchange sacrifice. In the Armageddon also, Praggnanandhaa had to sacrifice an exchange. In time trouble he made a few inaccuracies and went on to lose the game.
Nakamura - Caruana: 1-1.5
The Classical game between Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 2794) and Fabiano Caruana (USA, 2805) once again ended in a draw. Nakamura did not like the position and he predicted the game to end in a draw quickly which is what happened. He also mentioned after his Classical and before Armageddon that hates Armageddon. This time, he deviated 9.Rxf1 instead of playing his previously opted Kxf1 in the Classical after 8...Bxf1.
20.Nf1-e3 is the plausible maneuver. Instead, White opted for the strange 20.Ke1? h6 21.Bc1? in two moves White's position turned from equal to terrible. Caruana is not the one to fumble these chances. He thwarted his opponent's all attempts and scored a win.
White's final attempt of Rh8# was nicely stopped by Caruana 45...Nb6 46.Re8 c2 47.Nf7 Rc8 and White resigned.
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Game Theory stats after Round 6 by Mehmet Ismail
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Replay Round 6 games
Round 6 results
Magnus Carlsen - Ding Liren: 3-0
Alireza Firouzja - Praggnanandhaa: 1.5-1
Hikaru Nakamura - Fabiano Caruana: 1-1.5
Standings after Round 6
Magnus Carlsen - 12/18
Hikaru Nakamura - 11/18
Praggnanandhaa - 9.5/18
Alireza Firouzja - 8/18
Fabiano Caruana - 6.5/18
Ding Liren - 2.5/18
Round 7 pairings
Format
6 players will take part in the Tournament.
The Tournament is a double-round event with Armageddon.
The Tournament consists of 10 rounds.
Time Control
Each player will have 120 minutes on the clock with an increment of 10 seconds starting from move 41. The time control for the Armageddon game: white has 10 minutes and black has 7 minutes with an increment for both players of 1 second per move, starting from move 41.
Draw by Mutual Agreement
Players are not allowed to agree to a draw until at least 30 moves have been made by each player. This rule does not apply to Armageddon games.
Armageddon
If the classical game is drawn, an Armageddon game will be played. It shall start within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the classical game. The player with White pieces will continue with White in Armageddon. If the Armageddon game is drawn, black will win.
Points
Players will get the following points per round:
Win in the classical game: 3 points
Loss in the classical game: 0 points
Draw in the classical game & win Armageddon: 1½ points
Draw in the classical game & loss Armageddon: 1 point
Schedule
From 27th May to 7th June, every day game starts at 5 p.m. local time and 8:30 p.m. IST. Rest days are on Friday 31st May and Wednesday 5th June.
Prize money
Prize Money The total prize fund of the Tournament is 1690000 NOK. Distribution of Prize money occurs as followed:
1st - NOK 700000
2nd - NOK 350000
3rd - NOK 200000
4th - NOK 170000
5th - NOK 150000
6th - NOK 120000
Watch the tournaments live at the venue:
SR-Bank in Stavanger City.
Address: Christen Tranes Gate 35, 4007 Stavanger
All tickets are purchased directly at the venue. No pre-sale.
It is possible to reserve tickets, however, this is normally not necessary due to good capacity at the venue. Reserve your ticket by e-mailing the desired dates and names to: bjorn@norwaychess.com.
Ticket prices per day:
Adults: 200 NOK
Children: 100 NOK
Family: 400 NOK
Links
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