Nepomniachtchi could test Carlsen like never before
The Hindu
Russian challenger to play white in all odd-numbered games in the first half
Unlike the precedent seen in the days leading to many World chess championship title matches, the polite exchanges between two friends, champion Magnus Carlsen and challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi, is a welcome change.
These fierce over-the-board rivals gave a fine account of themselves and a peak into their mindset when taking questions from the media on Wednesday, less than 48 hours before commencing their much-anticipated 14-game encounter at the Dubai Exhibition Centre as part of the Expo 2020 Dubai on Friday.
Nepo, as he is fondly called in chess circles, will play with white pieces in all odd-numbered games in the first half. In the second, Carlsen gets a similar privilege.