KOLKATA: Magnus Carlsen perhaps doesn’t like a close finish. Many expected a thrilling end to the open category of the rapid section of Tata Steel India Open Rapid and Blitz meet on Friday with Uzbekistan Nodirbek Abdusattorov breathing down Carlsen’s neck with just half-a-point difference between the two.
But in the end Carlsen emerged champion with a round to go as Abdusattorov suffered two losses in the opening two rounds of the last day while Carlsen continued his good run to get past Vincent Keymer and Daniil Dubov.
In the ninth and last round, Abdusattorov did provide some scare to Carlsen who managed to hold on for a draw to end with 7.5 points, a good two points more than Wesley So and R Praggnanandhaa, who were tied for second spot. But the Indian’s superior tie-break score earned him the first runner-up position, while So took the third spot. It was a winning comeback for Carlsen who won the tournament in his last visit to the city in 2019.
However, it was a disappointing end for the Indian trio as Arjun Erigaisi managed 3.5 points while Vidit Gujrathi and SL Narayanan ended up with three points each.
In the women’s category, Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina maintained her consistent form to emerge victorious with 7.5 points. Georgia’s Nana Dzagnidze (5.5) and India’s Vantika Agrawal (5) finished second and third respectively
Rapid final standings (Top 3)
Open: Magnus Carlsen (7.5), R. Praggnanandhaa (5.5), Wesley So (5.5)
Women: Aleksandra Goryachkina (7.5), Nana Dzagnidze (5.5), Vantika Agrawal (5)
