Magnus Carlsen keeps world crown with 3-1 win in rapid drama

A checkmate in 31 moves missed via historic stalemate. A clinical pressing win and then, a beautiful, forced checkmating sequence.
Magnus Carlsen went through huge ups and down psychologically before winning the fourgame rapid tiebreak 3-1, and retained his World chess champinship title against World 'defence' champion Sergey Karjakin in New York on Wednesday. The reigning champion accepted his birthday gift - wrapped in passive play by his rival - with glee.
Though tension was in the air, Carlsen never faced even a remote losing threat positionally in four games of 25 minutes each per player.
After a quiet draw in the first rapid game with black pieces, Carlsen had everything going for him with white pieces in the second game. He had extra 10 minutes on the clock, material advantage, pressing advantage et al. For a computer engine, a mating sequence in 31 moves was clear and for a club-level player, win was clearly visible. But Carlsen choked and failed to find a plan. To his credit, Karjakin found a great escape route after an 84-move battle in the Guico Piano opening. Sadly, he didn't have enough offensive resources to capitalise on the rival's horrible mental condition in the next game.
Carlsen, playing black, scored a pivotal win in the third game via Ruy Lopez closed variation in 38 moves.
Facing a must-win situation in the fourth game to stay alive, Karjakin finally opted for the sharper Sicilian defence that lead to Prins variation. But by the time Carlsen was so confident and precise that the Russian failed to find any attacking option. In a comfortable position, yet edgy situation, with less than two minutes on the clock, Carlsen found a delectable 'Mate in 3' sequence and forced Karjakin to resign. It was an icing on a birthday cake with RELIEF written in capital letters.
Russian Karjakin, a great Challenger, could not challenge the Norwegian defensively in all 16 games of the match, except the 10th game. He showed great tenacity and defence without concrete counter-attacking plans. Carlsen was more positive, comfortable and created far more winning chances.
Karjakin was magnanimous in his defeat and analysis of the match.
First, he wished Carlsen on his birthday feat and added that the Norwegian was a deserving champion. When it was suggested that not going for Nf2 (and with that a possible draw) in Game 10 which he lost was the decisive part of the match, Karjakin said: "This is not fair to Carlsen. He was much better, almost winning Game 3 and 4." The Russian said he will try and win Candidates to qualify for the title match again. "That's my plan," he said. Carlsen, sitting next to him smiled and clapped, appreciating Kajakin's spirit.
Truth be told, if such a defensive mindset continues, Karjakin will find it difficult to qualify for the title match again.