Written and annotated by GM Alejandro Ramirez.
Next, Magnus Carlsen converted a slow position against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. The Frenchman came out worse from the opening, but he had some chances to defend properly. Vachier-Lagrave missed them and Carlsen’s advantage started to grow. Eventually, very precise play was required from MVL, but he was not up to the task. He lost one pawn, then another, and ultimately the game.