World Championship 2014: Carlsen – Anand
Anand earned an immediate rematch by winning the 2014 Candidates, and pushed Carlsen far harder than in Chennai. Game six turned on a double blunder — Carlsen left a winning tactic hanging and Anand never saw it — and Carlsen went on to retain his title.
◈A tougher fight
Anand had rebounded from losing his crown by dominating the 2014 Candidates, and in Sochi he looked a different challenger. Carlsen drew first blood in game two, but Anand hit straight back in game three to level the match — the first time anyone had beaten Carlsen in a title game.
The contest was poised at 3–3 heading into the pivotal sixth game.
◈The turning point
Game six produced one of the most extraordinary moments in championship history. Carlsen played the careless 26.Kd2, leaving 26...Nxe5 — a shot that would have won for Anand on the spot. Anand, short of time and not expecting the gift, missed it and replied 26...a4; Carlsen recovered and won the game.
The reprieve was decisive. Carlsen added a clinching win in game eleven to seal the match 6½–4½, retaining the title and confirming that the Chennai result had been no fluke.
◈Cross Table
1 win · ½ draw · 0 loss — click a game number to replay it.