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Magnus Carlsen confidently defeated Hans Niemann in the Speed Chess Championship Semifinal, setting up a match against Alireza Firouzja for the title on Sunday.
Despite the much hype ahead of the clash between two bitter opponents, who hadnโt played each other since the infamous Sinquefield Cup incident two years ago, the match itself lacked drama.
Carlsen took an early lead of 3.5-0.5 and extended it to a commanding 7-2 by the end of the 5 min +1 sec segment.
Niemann held his ground in the 3+1 segment, which ended in a 4-4 tie.
In the final 1+1 segment we had another tie 6.5-6.5, with Carlsen closing out the match with an overwhelming total score of 17.5-12.5.
Earlier tonight Alireza Firouzja eliminated Hikaru Nakamura.
