Magnus Carlsen risks losing world number one spot to Caruana
The American player could reach the top of the live classical rating list if his winning run continues while Carlsen struggles.
Magnus Carlsen is at risk of losing his number one ranking after more than 15 years at the top, according to the Hindustan Times. During the fast classic group stage of the Total Chess pilot in Budapest on Friday, Carlsen lost to Haik Martirosyan while playing with the Black pieces.
The loss followed four consecutive draws for Carlsen. In contrast, Caruana remains unbeaten and defeated Vincent Keymer to reach a rating of 2800.3.
Only nine points currently separate the two players on the live classical rating list. If Caruana maintains his current form and Carlsen continues to struggle, the American could become world number one when the next official ratings are released.
Carlsen has faced recent difficulties in classical chess, including finishing in the bottom half of the standings at Norway Chess earlier this year. During that tournament, he lost twice to Praggnanandhaa.
Other notable results from the tournament include Bibisara Assaubayeva defeating Vaishali in a match between the only two female players. In the men's section, Arjun Erigaisi managed to avoid a poor finish after Wesley So lost a game following a blunder.