Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi Rocked by Joint Title Victory Despite Match-Fixing Allegations

In a shocking turn of events, World No 1 chess player Magnus Carlsen and Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi have shared the 2024 FIDE Blitz Championship title after three consecutive draws in sudden death. However, their joint victory has been marred by controversy as a video appears to show the two players discussing possible match-fixing.

In the final of the World Blitz Championship, Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi engaged in an intense battle, with the Norwegian emerging victorious 2-0 after two rounds. However, the game was closely contested, forcing both players into the final showdown.

Despite leading 2-0, Nepomniachtchi made a remarkable comeback by winning the third game to level the score at 2-2. The sudden death that followed saw both players produce impressive displays of accuracy, but ultimately ended in draw after three evenly-fought games.

The joint title victory has sparked heated debate on social media, with many fans expressing dismay over what appears to be match-fixing. In a video circulating online, Carlsen was heard suggesting that they play short draws until their opponents give up. Several chess enthusiasts took to Twitter to express their discontent, pointing out that Nepomniachtchi faced disciplinary action last year for pre-arranging a draw with another player, Dubov.

"It's wrong, of course, at many levels. It also shows Magnus's instinct to resort to blackmail if FIDE insists on following the regulations," wrote Indian chess grandmaster Srinath Narayanan in response to the allegations.

Another fan called Carlsen's behavior "disgraceful."

However, the controversy surrounding the match-fixing allegations has overshadowed Carlsen's announcement of sharing the title with Nepomniachtchi. The Norwegian player expressed his satisfaction with the joint victory, saying that it was a good way to end the competition after a long and grueling day.

Carlsen has had a tumultuous run in recent days, facing another controversy last week over violating the tournament's dress code for wearing jeans during an earlier chess event. However, a relaxed stance by FIDE on player attire led to his participation in the Blitz Championships.

As the chess world attempts to come to terms with the joint title victory and match-fixing allegations involving Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi, questions remain about power dynamics within the sport and how such incidents will be handled in the future.