Chessable Masters: Carlsen does right by Ding Liren
We often come across situations in a tournament where we think as a player and not as a human being. We take advantage of the situation, circumstance and the system. When a player shows their humanity, empathy in situations where it doesn't benefit them but their competitors, only then humanity triumphs over mere numbers, prizes and accolades. Carlsen just did that yesterday when he resigned after four moves in Game 2 as Ding Liren got disconnected in Game 1 in a completely drawn position. Carlsen did it because he has tremendous respect for Ding Liren both as a player and as a human being. Carlsen went on to win the first mini-match in the Semi-Final by 3.5-2.5 and Anish Giri got advantage as he scored 3-1 against Nepomniachtchi in the first mini-match of the Chessable Masters Semi-Final. Photo: Amruta Mokal
Carlsen impresses with his fair-play
Ding Liren lost the first game in the first mini-match of the Semi-Final due to internet disconnection. The position was completely drawn. Carlsen decided to resign his next game in four moves. Carlsen said, "I have immense respect for Ding as a chess player and as a human being and I thought against him this was the only correct way." Being a World Champion, Carlsen showed how to do the right thing and how important it is. Carlsen went on to win the first mini-match 3.5-2.5. Giri drew his first game in the Semi-Final against Nepomniachtchi and then Giri won the next game by doing a beautiful combination. In their third encounter, Nepomniachtchi missed a win and Giri escaped with a draw. In the fourth game, Nepomniachtchi missed another opportunity, this time Giri walked away with a win and thus won the first mini-match in the Semi-Final with 3-1.
Ding got disconnected
In a complete drawn position Ding Liren got disconnected. Thus he lost the first game in the first mini-match of the Semi-Final.
Carlsen - Ding Liren, Semi-Final Game 1
Ding lost internet connection after 43.Kb6, thus he had to forfeit the game.
Carlsen's fair-play
Carlsen set a tremendous of example fair-play by resigning after fourth move against Ding Lire in the second game of the first mini-match in Semi-Finals.
Ding Liren - Carlsen, Semi-Final Game 2
Ding Liren now holds the rare record of winning against Carlsen in just four months. Of course Carlsen didn't do it to create record, he did it to show his respect for Ding Liren.
Here is the clip tweeted by chess24 where you can see Magnus Carlsen says why he resigned after four moves.
Giri's stupendous win
Anish Giri continues his impressive form in the tournament as he defeated his opponent Ian Nepomniachtchi in just 27 moves after making a brilliant combination in Game 2 of the first mini-match in the Semi-Finals.
Giri - Nepomniachtchi, Semi-Final Game 2
Can you find out the brilliant combination Giri did after 20...Re8 ?
Giri survived a scare
Nepomniachtchi is well-known for his aggressive play. He almost rewarded himself for his attacking display in Game 3, much to his chagrin, he missed the opportunity to seize the win.
Nepomniachtchi - Giri, Semi-Final Game 3
Find out the winning continuation for white after 26...gxf4
Nepomniachtchi misses another opportunity
Nepomniachtchi found the right opportunity and he struck it too, however he couldn't continue to capitalize on it.
Giri - Nepomniachtchi, Semi-Final 4
Find out the best continuation for black after 24.dxe5. Nepomniachtchi found the correct reply here but he was unable to continue in the right way and allowed his opponent to walk away with the full point.
Carlsen wins in the end
Carlsen beat Ding Liren in the sixth game of the first mini-match in the Semi-Final after making three consecutive draws.
Ding Liren - Carlsen, Semi-Final 6
Ding Liren blundered with 50.c5. Find out why it's a blunder and what was the better continuation instead.
Replay all Semi-Final games on Day 10
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