Magnus Carlsen loses cool after defeat to Vladislav Artemiev, pushes cameraman at World Rapid and Blitz - WATCH

Magnus Carlsen was visibly frustrated on Saturday after losing to Vladislav Artemiev at the ongoing World Rapid and Blitz Championships. The much-anticipated clash was a high-stakes, top-of-the-table encounter, but it was the Russian Grandmaster who came out on top.



In the aftermath of the defeat, the world No. 1 appeared unwilling to engage with the attention around him.




As Carlsen left the playing hall, a cameraman followed closely, prompting an irritated response from the Norwegian, who pushed the camera away before walking off.


Playing with the white pieces, Carlsen made the early running in a game that began cautiously.


However, Artemiev gradually wrested control, using his bishops effectively to outmanoeuvre Carlsen and build a favourable position. With time pressure mounting and less than 37 seconds left on his clock, Carlsen committed a decisive error by moving his bishop to g2. Realising the severity of the blunder, he resigned shortly afterwards.


WATCH:


Artemiev’s victory extended his impressive run at the tournament. Earlier, he had also beaten India’s top-ranked player Arjun Erigaisi. The 27-year-old now leads the standings with 5.5 points, while Carlsen sits second with 5 points. Artemiev, who earned his Grandmaster title in 2014, previously won the European Chess Championship in 2019.


France’s Maxime Vachier-Lagrave currently occupies third place, followed by Spanish Grandmaster David Anton Guijarro in fourth. Reigning world champion D Gukesh is placed fifth.


Away from the board, Carlsen recently spoke about his strained relationship with FIDE, the international chess federation. He revealed that he has had no contact with FIDE and that his participation in the current event was largely due to his association with the organisers.


Carlsen was at the centre of controversy during last year’s World Rapid and Blitz Championships when he withdrew from the rapid section after being penalised for wearing jeans.


Although he returned for the blitz event, controversy followed again as he eventually shared the title with Ian Nepomniachtchi.


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