Magnus Carlsen Wins 2023 Chess World Cup After Beating R Praggnanandhaa in Tie-Breaks
ESPN | 8.24.2023 | Aaditya Narayan

. . .

In a relatively even position, the game was heading towards a draw, when Carlsen finally made his move with his knights advancing to threatening positions, before the Indian resigned with just about 10 seconds left on the clock.

That meant Praggnanandhaa had to win on demand with black pieces. He had done it before in this tournament, in the quarterfinal against Arjun Erigaisi, but he was facing a completely different beast here.

He began the second game with a little prayer, but soon Carlsen ensured that was in vain. The five-time world champions nous and know-how showed, as it became very clear in the opening that the world no 1 had snuffed out Praggnanandhaa’s chances of winning with black pieces. After a few major pieces were traded, the players agreed to a draw, and the smile on Carlsen’s face was the only show of emotion from either player. The Norwegian has now won the one title that was missing from his illustrious cabinet, to go along with his five World Championship titles.

I learned a new word: “nous.” I’ll never use it, though.

It is a tale told by Aaditya, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.