It’s Fabiano Caruana vs. Magnus Carlsen for the world chess championship 2018

Berlin, Germany – American GM Fabiano Caruana won Candidates Chess Tournament 2018 with clear 1
point ahead of Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Sergey Karjakin and Ding Liren who made Fabi run for his
money.
It was Fabi who won the tournament a neck to neck affair till the very last round and where the
excitement to know the winner went right down to the wire. Fabi's rivals all drew in last round. Sergey
Karjakin looked very strong against Ding Liren but a quick turnaround in positions left him having to be
content with a draw. Vladimir Kramnik sacrificed a pawn against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov leading to a
sharp middle-game. Mamedyarov survived the pressure but never got any real winning chances. Levon
Aronian and Wesley So were out of contention and drew their game as fast as decently possible.
Fabi, winning five games and losing only one with 8 draws managed 9 points in 8 players 14 rounds
double round robin tournament. Inarguably one of the strongest tournament in 2018 with average elo
rating of 2786.
Final Standing
1. Fabiano Caruana (USA), 9 pts
2. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (AZB), 8 pts
3. Sergey Karjakin (RUS), 8 pts
4. Ding Liren (CHN), 7.5 pts
5. Vladimir Kramnik (RUS), 6.5 pts
6. Alexander Grischuk (RUS), 6.5 pts
7. Wesley So (USA), 6 pts
8. Levon Aronian (ARM), 4.5 pts

Fabi, one of the favorites to win Candidates Chess 2018 showed a flawless character and strong
preparation throughout the tournament. With this victory Fabi has qualified to compete for the World
Chess Championship for the first time in his career. He will be playing for the world championship title
against current world champion Magnus Carlsen in November 2018 at London. It will be a first instance
since 1972 where an American will be competing for the World Chess Championship title. In 1972
American GM Bobby Fischer challenged Russia’s Boris Spassky which became the iconic world
championship match in chess history.

AMAR GODBOLE

TEAM SPORTSNASHA