Magnus Carlsen wins Aimchess US Rapid with a dominant show

by Shahid Ahmed - 06/09/2021

Magnus Carlsen completely decimated Vladislav Artemiev in the second set of the Finals at Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Aimchess US Rapid. For the eighth time in the tournament, Carlsen started the day with a victory. He never seemed to be in any kind of trouble. Artemiev's questionable choice of opening removed any remote chances of going for a win in the second game. The world champion won the third game emphatically after the Russian's frail attempts were thwarted. With this triumph, Carlsen ties with So for the maximum number of event wins in this tour - three. The finals will take place later this month in Oslo, Norway. Photo: Champions Chess Tour

Carlsen wins his third event of the season

"It feels great. It's the first time in like ever that I have won one of these tournaments and it's been fairly smooth ride, so that feels really good... Yeah I would say so for sure. There were some shaky moments here and there but overall yeah I think this is clearly my best." - Carlsen on his triumph and performance in the Aimchess US Rapid. "I am not sure about that to be honest, but maybe the World Cup helped a bit gaining me some confidence. In terms of world championship prep, I am not so sure." - The world champion on how much the preparation for world championship helped him to win this event.

Magnus Carlsen is the winner of Aimchess US Rapid | Photo: Champions Chess Tour

Magnus Carlsen: "I think this is clearly my best" | Video: chess24

Runner-up Vladislav Artemiev | Photo: Champions Chess Tour

Artemiev - Carlsen: 1.5-2.5

Carlsen made his intentions very clear early in the game.

Carlsen - Artemiev, Game 1

Position after 18.a6

Generally we are used to seeing the h-pawn go to h6 and become a pawn wedge on a castled kingside, however this time we can see the a-pawn being a wedge on the castled queenside. Carlsen's coach and arguably the greatest coach of all time, shared his thoughts on the pawn wedge in a tweet:

Position after 40...Kd6

Black tried to run away with his king, 40...Kd6 which backfired badly. 40...Qd6 would have continued the fight a bit longer. 41.Qd7+ Ke5 and soon White gained the a7-pawn after which the a6-pawn became the deciding factor for White to score a win. Carlsen once again gained a 1-0 lead.

Artemiev opted for a very dubious line in the second game.

Artemiev - Carlsen, Game 2

Position after 5...Qe6+

It was not the best choice for White to go for this opening, especially since he lost the first game and first set too. Carlsen had no trouble making a draw and maintaining his lead 1.5-0.5

Artemiev, desperately needing two consecutive wins to force tie-breaks, tried to do everything but unfortunately for him things did not go his way.

Carlsen - Artemiev, Game 3

Position after 33...Ng4

White is completely winning here but what is the best way to continue here? Carlsen won the game and the set 2.5-0.5 to win Aimchess US Rapid, his third event of the season.

Carlsen tweeted on his triumph