Enlarge image
Magnus Carlsen
Photo:
ALI HAIDER / EPA
Defending the title remains a tough affair for world chess champion Magnus Carlsen.
The Norwegian had to be content with a draw against his Russian challenger Jan Nepomniachtchi in the fifth duel in Dubai.
Now is the first day of rest of the World Cup, before the sixth game on Friday it is 2.5: 2.5.
Nepomniachtchi started with White and put the defending champion under pressure early on.
Carlsen kept brooding for a long time and was not at all satisfied with his game.
Ultimately, however, he defended himself effortlessly.
On move 43 the Russian brought about the fifth draw with a triple repetition of positions, but Nepomniachtchi was also dissatisfied.
"Of course I'm disappointed," he said after the game.
Although Nepomniachtchi only occupies fifth place in the world rankings, before the start of the World Cup he led in a direct comparison with Carlsen with 4: 1 wins in six draws.
The world champion is still waiting for his second career win against his opponent, whom he has known since childhood.
A maximum of 14 games are played, the starting right changes after each match.
One point is awarded for a win and half a point for a draw.
Whoever reaches 7.5 points first is world champion.
krä / sid