Carlsen and Firouzja Advance to Semifinals in Champions Chess Tour Finals

The Champions Chess Tour Finals in Oslo reached a thrilling climax as the survival stage determined the four players advancing to the knockout phase. Magnus Carlsen, the reigning champion, dominated the round-robin stage with an impressive 6/7 points, securing a direct ticket to the semifinals. Alireza Firouzja also earned a spot in the semifinals by finishing second in the round-robin.

The survival stage saw Ian Nepomniachtchi and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave showcase their experience and resilience, securing the remaining semifinal spots by defeating Denis Lazavik and Vincent Keymer, respectively. The intensity of the competition was evident in every game, with players fighting for their tournament lives.

Carlsen, as the top finisher in the round-robin, had the privilege of choosing his semifinal opponent and opted to face Vachier-Lagrave. The French grandmaster welcomed the challenge, stating, “With Magnus, it’s always a big, big fight.” The other semifinal will feature Firouzja against Nepomniachtchi, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament.

The winner of the Champions Chess Tour Finals will not only claim the title but also continue the tradition of crowning the series champion, a feat achieved by Carlsen in every edition since the event’s inception in 2020. Stay tuned for more updates as the semifinals and finals unfold in Oslo.