Norwegian grandmaster Carlsen retains World Chess Championship crown in Dubai

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Norway’s Magnus Carlsen retained his World Chess Championship crown on Friday after defeating his Russian rival Ian Nepomniachtchi for the fourth time.

Carlsen stamped his authority and registered victory by winning the 11th game of the 14-game series in their $2.3 million competition held at Dubai's Expo 2020.

He defeated Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi, collecting the one point he needed to pass the seven-point mark and win the world title.

Ian Nepomniachtchi (L) and Carlsen compete during the FIDE World Championship at Dubai Expo . AP

Carlsen was relatively subdued after the game, saying it was ‘hard to feel great joy when the situation was so comfortable to begin with.’

He said: ``Overall I am happy with myself, and proud of my performance in the pivotal, marathon sixth game, where I took the lead.”