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Magnus Carlsen wins Airthings Masters 2023

by Shahid Ahmed - 11/02/2023

Magnus Carlsen set the tone of the Grand Final by winning the first game. After a draw in the second game, Hikaru Nakamura got a great opportunity to deliver the equalizer in the third game. Despite having the decisive advantage for the better part of the endgame, the World Fischer Random champion could not find a way to win the game. Carlsen was winning the fourth game too but he decided to draw the game as it was enough for him to win the Grand Final and clinch the Airthings Masters 2023. For the second year in-a-row, Carlsen won this event. He earned $30000 and 150 CCT Tour points, Nakamura received $20000 and 100 Tour points. Photo: Champions Chess Tour

Carlsen beats Nakamura in the Final again

Fabiano Caruana won the Grand Final of Division 2. He won $10000, 50 CCT Tour points and a spot in the Division 1 at the next CCT event.

Magnus Carlsen is the winner of Airthings Masters 2023 | Photo: Champions Chess Tour

Carlsen - Nakamura: 2.5-1.5

Magnus Carlsen started the day with a win over Hikaru Nakamura. He made his intentions clear early in the game that he is playing for a win only.

Carlsen - Nakamura, Game 1

Position after 20.h6

White got a positional advantage early in the middlegame and he had no trouble converting it into a win.

The second game ended in a draw. Nakamura was winning for the better part of endgame in the third game, yet he was unable to capitalize on his opportunity.

Carlsen - Nakamura, Game 3

Position after 83...f3

Black had one of the best chances after 83...f3. However, after 84.gxf3 Black should not recapture it with the rook Rxf3. It was time to bring the king Kf4 and things would have been much easier as the white king is unable to defend. 84...Rxf3 allowed 85.Kg2 Rf2+ 86.Kg1 Rf7 87.Rb2 and Carlsen eventually made a miraculous escape with his extreme defensive skills.

Carlsen was winning the fourth game too. However, he made a draw as it was enough for him to win the Grand Final and the tournament too.

Magnus Carlsen wins Airthings Masters 2023 | Video: ChessBase India
Magnus Carlsen on winning Airthings Masters 2023 | Video: Chesscom Live
Hikaru Nakamura after Grand Final against Magnus Carlsen | Video: Chesscom Live

Replay the live stream

Airthings Masters 2023 Grand Final Live commentary by IM Sagar Shah and Amruta Mokal | Video: ChessBase India

Fabiano Caruana is the winner of Division 2

Airthings Masters 2023 prize list | Photo: chess.com

Tour standinngs of Champions Chess Tour 2023 | Photo: chess.com

Replay Division 1 Grand Final games

All games started from 9:30 p.m. IST between 6th and 10th February 2022.

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