In a highly anticipated chess battle, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen emerged victorious over Hans Niemann in the Speed Chess Championship semifinals in Paris. The match, which spanned nearly five hours, was marked by intense competition and a palpable sense of tension.
Carlsen, known for his dominance in the chess world, displayed his superior skills throughout the match. He started strong, winning the opening 5+1 blitz section 7-2. Niemann, however, fought back in the 3+1 segment, winning four games and narrowing the gap to 8-4.
As the match progressed into the final 1+1 bullet segment, Carlsen’s experience and composure proved decisive. He racked up a series of wins, gaining a commanding 10-point lead. Niemann, despite his earlier resilience, struggled to keep pace.
Throughout the match, Niemann faced technical issues with his mouse and the server. He complained about “resistance” and an issue with the website. Carlsen, however, remained unfazed, shrugging off the interruptions and continuing to play with his characteristic focus.
In the post-match interview, Carlsen admitted to feeling nervous and tense, but expressed relief at getting the match over with. He praised Niemann’s improvement since their previous encounter two years ago.
Niemann, despite the defeat, remained defiant. He tweeted, “There is no excuse for defeat. I will be back stronger.”
The match was a significant moment in the ongoing saga between Carlsen and Niemann. After Carlsen accused Niemann of cheating at the Sinquefield Cup in 2022, the two players had not faced off in person until Friday. The Speed Chess Championship semifinals provided a platform for them to settle their differences on the chessboard.
Carlsen’s victory solidifies his status as the world’s top chess player. He will now face Alireza Firouzja in the finals, while Niemann will play world No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura.
