Chess: Carlsen throws game in record four moves after Ding disconnects

Magnus Carlsen, the world champion, reached another major final this week despite throwing a game in only four moves to compensate his Chinese opponent for a loss by disconnection.

Carlsen met world No3 Ding Liren on Tuesday in the semi-final of the $150,000 online Chessable Masters. With a minute left, Ding disconnected, a recurring problem for China’s elite players, and the rules gave Carlsen a win by forfeit.

Game two, with Ding White, opened 1 c4 e6 2 g3 Qg5? 3 Bg2 Qxd2+?? 4 Qxd2 and Carlsen resigned. He explained: “I have immense respect for Ding as a chess player and as a human being, and …I think it was the right thing to do”.

Carlsen later won that first set 3.5-2.5, and then the second set 2.5-0.5 on Wednesday. After his free point, Ding was outclassed and failed to win another game.

The Norwegian, 29, will play the final on Friday and Saturday with a possible tie-break on Sunday. All the games are live and free to watch on chess24.com, with grandmaster commentaries, starting 3pm. His opponent will be Anish Giri (Netherlands) or Ian Nepomniachtchi (Russia) who were level before a decider on Thursday.

Puzzle 2374

Jose Raoul Capablanca v Reuben Fine, Avro 1938. The legendary Cuban’s missed win as White (to move) here went undiscovered for 13 years. Can you find it? The “chess machine” chose 40 Rxg5 with a draw. In his defence, it was the move 40 time control.

Click here for solution