Magnus Carlsen Fails to Defeat Vidit Gujrathi Yet Again, Makes a Usual Start and a Poor Ending

Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2022 has now reached its final phase and all the Grand Masters are trying to bring their A-game. In round 11, of the tournament happening at Wijk aan Zee, Magnus Carlsen played against the Indian Grand Master Vidit Gujrathi. While the world chess champion is still leading the tournament, he had to settle for a draw against Vidit Gujrathi.

Magnus played bishop c4 on move 2, which is quite a rare sight for the world number one. Queen’s Gambit has been quite profitable for him so far in the tournament, but he usually likes to mix up his openings. Vidit retaliated with the two knights and played brilliantly to hold the world champion to a draw. It was a tough game, but unlike other matches, Carlsen could not capitalize on the half-chances in the middle game.

Magnus missed the victory

Right from the beginning, the Indian Grand Master played pretty strongly, and it was an obvious draw; however, the ticking clock led him to some mistakes. In the rook endgame, Carlsen was the favorite. Everyone thinks that in the world chess championship, he is currently the best endgame player.

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After the match, while both the players were checking engine lines, Carlsen realized the missed opportunity. He said, “It wasn’t very obvious. I guess that was the moment I should have taken more time to think, but it wasn’t easy, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it a little bit.”?

Undefeated Vidit

The Indian Grand Master Vidit Gujrathi has met the World No. 1 face-to-face in classical chess on three occasions, and he managed to draw in all three of them. It appeared he had already prepared for the post-match interview, and he seemed happy with the result.

He said, “I could make an easier draw, but you know, what’s the point in that? First of all, many people are making agreed draws, so you have to put on something for a show. I was playing extra long on that behalf. And then, Magnus is also not playing on the last day, so he would miss playing, so I thought, OK, let’s make it more interesting.”

Magnus is still leading the tournament with 7.5 points, but Anish has slipped to the third position after he lost a game against his compatriot and defending champion Jorden Van Foreest in round 11.

Just 3 more rounds to go, and we’ll have a champion. Who do you think will it be?