The world champion is ahead by half a point and is unbeaten, but has made little progress towards his target of a 2900 rating following a much debated draw with Russia’s Sergey Karjakin
Magnus Carlsen is edging towards a minimalist victory at Tata Steel Wijk aan Zee this weekend after the world champion failed to convert a winning rook endgame in round 11 against Vidit Gujrathi on Friday, The
India No 2’s accurate defence forced a draw by perpetual check in 51 moves after both players queened a pawn.
Carlsen has Black against his old rival Fabiano Caruana in Saturday’s 12th and penultimate round, and will then receive a free point in his final game after Daniil Dubov withdrew from the tournament suffering from Covid.