For the first time in history, the title of world chess champion was shared between two players
The Norwegian Magnus Carlsen and the Russian Yan Nepomnyachty, who played under a neutral flag, shared the title of world chess blitz champion for the first time in history. About this informs Chess.
The final match, held in New York, lasted seven games. Carlsen took advantage in the first two games, but Nepomniachy managed to equalize. The victory was decided according to the principle “to the first win”, but the next three games ended in a draw.
After the seventh game, Carlsen offered to share the title, and Nepomniaschie agreed. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) after consultations with the players officially approved such a decision for the first time in history.
“We got to the point where it was a long day. We played a lot of games, we drew three and I felt I could keep playing. But it was a good decision to share the win, it was a good way to end it.” Carlsen explained.
For Carlsen, the title of world champion in blitz became the eighth – the Norwegian improved his own record of the tournament. Nepomniachy won the title for the first time in his career.
