Sadly, it is over: after 13 rounds, SERGEY KARJAKIN of Russia - the 13th-ranked player in the world - has won the tournament and earned the right to face Magnus Carlsen in the World Chess Championship in New York City this fall.
Things looked good for Caruana after 12 rounds; even though he had blundered away a victory in Round 11, he only needed to draw against Karjakin in Round 13. That would have left him at 8 points, Karjakin at 8 points, and Anand at 7.5, with Caruana holding the tiebreaker over both (and playing white in the final round, whereas Karjakin's Round 14 contest was as black). However, Karjakin, who like Caruana was aided by American Hikaru Nakamura's surprising victory over Anand in Round 12, beat Caruana flat out, as the American blundered once again and allowed an easy checkmate. This gave Karjakin 8.5 points, Caruana 7.5, and Anand 7.5, and the win (instead of a draw) over Caruana meant Karjakin has the tiebreak. Thus, Karjakin is un-catchable.
Alas. Maybe we'll have an American champion in 2018. Sigh.
Things looked good for Caruana after 12 rounds; even though he had blundered away a victory in Round 11, he only needed to draw against Karjakin in Round 13. That would have left him at 8 points, Karjakin at 8 points, and Anand at 7.5, with Caruana holding the tiebreaker over both (and playing white in the final round, whereas Karjakin's Round 14 contest was as black). However, Karjakin, who like Caruana was aided by American Hikaru Nakamura's surprising victory over Anand in Round 12, beat Caruana flat out, as the American blundered once again and allowed an easy checkmate. This gave Karjakin 8.5 points, Caruana 7.5, and Anand 7.5, and the win (instead of a draw) over Caruana meant Karjakin has the tiebreak. Thus, Karjakin is un-catchable.
Alas. Maybe we'll have an American champion in 2018. Sigh.
How will we know, when the morning comes, we are still human? - 2D
Don't worry, my friend. If this be the end, then so shall it be.
Don't worry, my friend. If this be the end, then so shall it be.
