Fabiano Caruana has won the elite Altibox tournament ahead of world champion Magnus Carlsen. This result might appear to give a promising boost to Caruana’s prospects for his world title challenge to Carlsen, which is due to take place in London in November. Alas, that is not the case. It is true that Caruana triumphed by a narrow margin over the champion in the main event, but in their individual clash it was the Norwegian who once again gained the laurels.
This outcome further extends Carlsen’s already impressive lead over Caruana in their individual tussles. Carlsen therefore remains firm favourite to retain his title at the chess summit.
Carlsen-Caruana: Norway Chess, Stavanger 2018 (see diagram 1)
Carlsen has sacrificed a pawn to gain control over the central dark squares. He has full compensation and chances are balanced. 25 … Rc7 Caruana unwisely decides to return the pawn in the hope of gaining activity.
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