Carlsen beats Firouzja in Toronto: – Horrible playoff technique
Magnus Carlsen ended the opening round of the Champions Chess Tour playoffs with a win over Alireza Firouzja at armageddon.
It was clear before the final round that Carlsen and American Wesley So would go straight to the semifinals. The next four after seven rounds will battle it out for the final two spots on Tuesday night.
Carlsen met Iranian-born Frenchman Firouzja in the seventh and final round. There, the Norwegian lost the first game with white pieces.
Carlsen made an unprofitable trade and lost his fortress.
– It was really foggy at the other end, Carlsen told TV 2.
Therefore, Carlsen must win with the black pieces to send the match to Armageddon. He built a solid lead towards the end of the game, but a misplay put Firouzja back in the game. Then it was Firouzja’s turn to make a mistake, and Carlsen won.
– Firouzja has poor playoff technique, says TV 2 expert Jon Ludvig Hammer.
– Something strange is happening in this tournament. People pass out in no time, and so did I. “This is a playoff he has to make,” Carlsen said of Firouzja.
So the battle must be decided at Armageddon. Carlsen played there with white pieces and outplayed his rival.
The semifinals are played on Thursday and Friday, which is a best of three matches out of four matches. It is not yet clear who Carlsen will meet. (NTB)
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