Jan-Krzysztof Duda halts Carlsen's hat-trick, wins Oslo Esports Cup

by Shahid Ahmed - 29/04/2022

Magnus Carlsen was poised to win his third consecutive tournament of Meltwater Champions Chess Tour 2022 season. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov had something to say about it. He handed the world champion not only his third loss of the event, but the toughest one. The Azerbaijan no.1 only took the minimum number of games to beat the world no.1, something even Liem or Jorden could not do. Praggnanandhaa once again lost in minimum number games, against Giri. Thus, Pragg finished at fourth place, behind Carlsen. Liem beat Jorden in the tie-breaks to finish second. Carlsen continues to lead the tour standings, Pragg climbed to the fourth place. Photo: chess24

Carlsen and Praggnanandhaa suffer losses in the final round

Praggnanandhaa finished all seven matches in the tournament taking only three games per round for a decision. Jan-Krzysztof Duda on winning the tournament, "Yeah I am very happy of course. It's kind of unexpected to me. I didn't even think it was possible honestly. Everything worked out today. I am in general quite happy with my play here... I have had a lot of people helping me. First and foremost my mom who is important. I got a pool of trainers, the camp which I was supposed to attend but instead we got here in Oslo... It's very nice to win something, especially such a strong tournament. It's just something very different I would say. I really got into a very good mood before the Candidates. So that's also part of the success I believe."

Jan-Krzysztof Duda is the winner of Oslo Esports Cup | Photo: chess24

Praggnanandhaa - Giri: 0.5-2.5

Giri opted for the King's Indian Defence against Praggnanandhaa in the first game. That's typical Giri humor, KID against the kid.

Praggnanandhaa - Giri, Game 1

Position after 23.c5

23.Rfd1 and then aiming c5 would have been a better execution of the same idea. 23.c5 Kh8 24.Bg4 retreat was a positional mistake. 24...Nxg4 turned things completely in Black's favor. Giri took a while to convert his advantage but there was not much opportunity for White to get back in the game.

Praggnanandhaa survived a completely lost endgame against Giri in the second game. In the third game, Pragg went for an outlandish pawn capture and got his knight trapped.

Praggnanandhaa - Giri, Game 3

Position after 20.Nb5

20.Nb5 Rd8 21.Nxa7 are the moves which White should not play here. Find out how Giri trapped the knight. 20.Rae1 would have been a better continuation for White.