World Championship 2016: Carlsen – Karjakin

11 – 30 November 2016 · New York City, USA

Carlsen won on tiebreak

▦ 16 GAMES

Sergey Karjakin, the "Minister of Defence," pushed Carlsen all the way in New York — even leading late — and the classical games finished tied 6–6. But on his 26th birthday, Carlsen won the rapid tiebreak 3–1, ending it with a queen sacrifice, to keep his crown.

Dates

11 – 30 November 2016

Venue

New York City, USA

Format

Best of 12 classical games + rapid tiebreak

Result

Classical 6–6; Carlsen won the tiebreak 3–1

◈The Minister of Defence

Karjakin's tenacity had earned him his nickname, and he lived up to it — grinding out the eighth game to take a shock lead over the champion. A rattled Carlsen struck back in game ten, and the remaining classical games were drawn, leaving the match level at 6–6 after twelve.

For the second title match running, the crown would be settled in a rapid-chess playoff.

◈A birthday to remember

The four-game rapid tiebreak fell on 30 November — Carlsen's 26th birthday. The champion pulled clear and sealed a 3–1 victory in style, finishing the last game with a queen sacrifice that forced mate.

Carlsen retained the title he had taken from Anand in 2013, turning back the most stubborn challenge of his reign to that point.

6–6

Classical score

3–1

Rapid tiebreak (Carlsen)

26th

Birthday clincher

Classical games

◈Cross Table

This archive holds 16 of the 12 match games; the official score above is authoritative.

Player	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	1	2	3	4	Pts
Carlsen	½	½	½	½	½	½	½	0	½	1	½	½	½	½	1	1	6
Karjakin	½	½	½	½	½	½	½	1	½	0	½	½	½	½	0	0	6

1 win · ½ draw · 0 loss — click a game number to replay it.

EXPLORE ALL 16 GAMES →