28.11.2016

Ilyumzhinov: "Carlsen is more experienced but Karjakin is psychologically stronger"

The reigning World Champion Norwegian Magnus Carlsen is a very experienced player but the Russians Sergey Karjakin has another advantage, said the president of FIDE Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.

"Why is Carlsen a favourite? It is because he has more experience in playing matches. Karjakin has no such training and experience. But, on the other hand, I think he has more stamina. And in case of a tiebreak, much depends on how psychologically strong is a player," said Ilyumzhinov.

"Initially, experts predicted a quick victory of Carlsen and Karjakin was regarded as a whipping boy. The bids were 80% to 20%. But we saw that all 11 games were full of fighting, there was no short draws, and games lasted for 7 hours and up to 90 moves. It is evident that both chess players are determined to fight," said the head of FIDE.
Recall that according to the results of 11 games, the score is equal: 5.5 - 5.5. If the 12th game would also end in a draw, the holder of the chess crown would be established after a tiebreaker. The rapid chess and blitz matches would be played.