Magnus Carlsen was taken aback in the first game by Praggnanandhaa’s choice of variation in the Italian Opening. However, two impulsive decisions cost the teenager the first game. According to the world no.1, experience prevailed today. In the second rapid game, the world no.1 opted for the Alapin variation in the Sicilian. There was not much to fight for. Thus the game ended in a draw and Carlsen won the FIDE World Cup 2023, for the very first time in his career. Fabiano Caruana completely crushed Nijat Abasov in both tie-break games to finish third. Praggnanandhaa, Caruana and Abasov – all three have qualified in the Candidates as Carlsen made his intentions known of not playing Candidates if the format remains unchanged. One thing is for sure, Praggnanandhaa delivered an extraordinary performance at the World Cup which the winner mentioned in the interview. Photos: Shahid Ahmed
Carlsen dominates, Caruana crushes “He played really well. In general, in the tournament, he had an exceptional performance. Today I think two moments of inexperience that cost him.” – Magnus Carlsen on R Praggnanandhaa. The match he enjoyed the most was against D Gukesh in the Quarterfinals.
FIDE World Cup 2023 Top 3 (L to R): Silver – GM R Praggnanandhaa, Gold – GM Magnus Carlsen (NOR) and Bronze – GM Fabiano Caruana (USA)
Magnus Carlsen unleashed his very best at the FIDE World Cup 2023 against R Praggnanandhaa
FIDE World Cup 2023 and FIDE Women’s World Cup 2023 Official logo | Photo: Official site Praggnanandhaa – Carlsen, Finals Tie-break 8.3
Position after 15.Nf5 The world no.1 GM Magnus Carlsen (NOR, 2825) felt that this was the first key moment where his opponent R Praggnanandhaa (2645) needed to spend a little more time. He was a bit impulsive in playing 15.Nf5. Computer suggests Nhf3 is the better option.
Position after 28.g4 Magnus felt 28.g4 was another impulsive move, it is not wrong according to him. Computer suggests 28.Ref2 to be played instead. This was the second key moment of the first game.
