Moscow: Norwegian chess player Magnus Carlsen and Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi have split first place in the 2024 World Blitz Championship, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) said on Wednesday.
Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi played for the world champion’s title in the finals in New York that was expected to last four rounds. Former World Champion Carlsen won the first two, but the Russian player later managed to break even. This was followed by three rounds of ties. After the third tie, Carlsen offered Nepomniachtchi to split the victory.
“History has been written today! We have two 2024 FIDE World Blitz Champions! Congratulations,” the FIDE said on X, posting video of the champions shaking hands after their match.
The rules of the championship do not prohibit splitting the victory if both players agree to that.