Generation Cup Final 1: Carlsen wins the first set

by Shahid Ahmed - 25/09/2022

Magnus Carlsen took the minimum number of games to win the first set of the Finals. He won the first two games and drew the third one to win the match 2.5-0.5. He was winning the third one too, however he made a draw as it was enough for him to win the set. It would have taken a computer-like precision for Arjun to get back in the first game, which was certainly not easy. In the second game, the teenager accepted an exchange sacrifice incorrectly. Now he must win the second set tonight and force tie-breaks to keep his chances to win Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Julius Baer Generation Cup. Finals continue tonight at 9:30 p.m. IST. Photo: ChessBase India live stream

Arjun in a must-win situation

Arjun Erigaisi has a tall order in front of him | Photo: ChessBase India live stream

Carlsen - Arjun Erigaisi: 2.5-0.5

It would have taken a computer like precision for Arjun Erigaisi to get back in the first game against the world champion, Magnus Carlsen.

Carlsen - Arjun, Game 1

Position after 23.Bh4

The best course of action for Black here was 23...g5 24.Bxg5 f6. What makes it work? Black has a very nice threat on d4. So combining that with a pawn sacrifice on the kingside surely would have spiced things up. 23...f6 24.Nf3 Nf8 25.e3 Qa5 White gained a firm control and had no trouble converting his advantage into a win.

In the second game, Arjun Erigaisi made the grave mistake of accepting an indirect exchange sacrifice.

Arjun - Carlsen, Game 2

Position after 26...Qe7

White is certainly not forced to accept the exchange. 27.Nc2 was certainly a safer choice among few. 27.Bxe3 Qxe3+ 28.Kf1 N4d5 29.Bxd5 Ng4 and White resigned.

Carlsen was winning the third game too. However, he did not push too hard in the endgame as a draw was enough for him to win the first set 2.5-0.5.