Is tie-break in the cards?

The second day of the Finals will decide the winner | Photo: Amruta Mokal

Carlsen - Nepomniachtchi: 2-2

First game was a quiet draw. Things heated up in the second game as Carlsen found himself in a good position.

Nepomniachtchi - Carlsen, Game 2

Position after 25.Nxh6

White should have played 25.Bd3 first because 25.Nxh6 is met by Rxb1 26.Rxb1 Ng6 27.Qg5 gxh6 28.Qxh6+ Ke8 puts Black in control. However, practically it was not that easy to convert. After a back and forth play involving multilayered endgame, it eventually ended in a draw.

Carlsen got a good chance to push for a win in the third game but he did not seize it.

Carlsen - Nepomniachtchi, Game 3

Position after 35...Qg7

36.R5d6 Nxd6 37.Rxg7+ Kxg7 38.Qxd6 was winning for White. However, the world champion opted for 36.Rf5 and the game eventually ended in a draw.

Nepomniachtchi blundered a piece in the fourth game but Carlsen was unable to maximize it.

Nepomniachtchi - Carlsen, Game 4

Position after 35...Ra2

36.Qc1 Rxe2 37.b7 and now Qb8 was winning. Black played 37...Qc7 allowed White to save the game 38.Qa3.

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Airthings Masters 2022 Finals 1 Live commentary by IM Sagar Shah | Video: ChessBase India

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Finals Day 1 result

Nepomniachtch will face Carlsen in the Finals | Photo: chess24

All games will start from 10:30 p.m. IST between 19th and 26th February 2022.

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