Carlsen dominates World Rapid Chess Championship after day 2
Magnus Carlsen dominates the World Rapid Chess Championship after day 2. He is with 8,5/10, which is 1,5 points ahead of competition.
Carlsen had a fantastic second day in Kazakhstan. He started with two draws against Gelfand and Dreev, but won two tactical games against Mamedyarov and Tkachiev. With a victory in round 10 against his direct opponent Karjakin, Magnus got in sole first position. With 5 rounds remaining Carlsen is now the clear favorite for the World Rapid Chess title in Astana.
Karjakin and Topalov are sharing the second place with 7,0/8. Karjakin started with a draw and two wins, but lost his final two games against Mamedyarov and Carlsen. Topalov played some of the most exciting chess of the day winning in 101 moves against Svidler, and effectively sacrificing two pieces for a win against Radjabov, but surprisingly blundered against Kazhgaleyev.
Tomorrow is the final day of the World rapid, join us for live games starting at 11:00 CET.
Participants list and information (in Russian here) / Semi Finals Day 1 / Semi Finals day 2 / Live games
World Rapid finals day 1 / World Rapid finals day 2
Standings
1. Carlsen, Magnus 8.5
2-3. Topalov, Veselin 7
2-3. Karjakin, Sergey 7
4. Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar 6
5-7. Grischuk, Alexander 5.5
5-7. Dreev, Aleksey 5.5
5-7. Radjabov, Teimour 5.5
8-9. Svidler, Peter 5
8-9. Kurnosov, Igor 5
10-11. Gelfand, Boris 4.5
10-11. Ivanchuk, Vassily 4.5
12-13. Morozevich, Alexander 4
12-13. Kazhgaleyev, Murtas 4
14-15. Bologan, Viktor 3
14-15. Tkachiev, Vladislav 3
16. Ismagambetov, Anuar 2
Where’s Nakamura?
Naka will bully the boys.. These are men playing..