4 December 2021

Ian Nepomniachtchi and Magnus Carlsen Draw Game Seven in Dubai

The score is 4:3 in world champion’s favour.

 

Saturday, December 4, game seven of the Carlsen-Nepomniachtchi World Championship Match was played in Dubai. Andrey Guryev, CEO of PhosAgro, made the first move for the Russian grandmaster. Mr. Guryev was accompanied on the stage by Denis Manturov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.

The GMs continued their discussion in the anti-Marshall system of the Ruy Lopez, encountered in games one, three, and five. Playing White, Ian Nepomniachtchi was the first to sidestep the mainline theory seen in game five. White achieved a rather attractive-looking position, but the world champion successfully regrouped his pieces and managed to simplify the game with precise moves at a critical moment. The massive exchanges led to an absolutely equal rook ending; the opponents agreed to a draw immediately after passing the time control. 

The overall match score has become 4-3 in Magnus Carlsen’s favour. Game eight is scheduled on Sunday, December 5, with the world champion playing the white pieces. 

Official website 

Pictures by Eteri Kublashvili