Carlsen clinches World Cup title at last

Former World Champion Magnus Carlsen has accomplished a significant milestone in his illustrious chess career by capturing his inaugural World Cup title, the only tournament that was missing from his immense collection of victories.

After a quiet draw in the second game of the finals on Wednesday, Carlsen – who is recovering from food poisoning – defeated the 18-year-old Indian prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa in the tiebreaks yesterday. It took just two tiebreak games and about one and a half hours.

Crucial was the first rapid tiebreaker which Carlsen won with black pieces. Game two was much quieter with Carlsen (playing as White) forcing exchanges in a better position. A draw was agreed as early as move 22, securing first place for the Norwegian.

Previously, the closest Carlsen came to winning the World Cup was in 2021 when he finished third. Now, with this feather added to his cap, the world's highest-rated player proved that he is the ultimate force majeure of chess.