POINT SPLIT: Carlsen and Praggnanandhaa draw in the first game of the finals

BAKU: Magnus Carlsen and R Praggnanandhaa split a point after a game which lasted 35 moves and around three hours.

Playing as White, the 18-year-old Indian prodigy, R Praggnanandhaa, couldn't obtain a significant advantage over the former World Champion Carlsen, an article on fide.com said.

In the Four Knights line of the English Opening, R Praggnanandhaa (as White) went for a sharp line, putting pressure on the queenside, but Carlsen responded with a counter-push in the centre and comfortably equalised. In an even position, with three Kingside pawns and a knight and a rook each, the two decided to call it a day.

In the aftermath of the game, Magnus Carlsen expressed his discomfort during the post-game interview, revealing that he was feeling unwell due to food poisoning. Despite his health setback, Carlsen's performance on the board remained formidable.

Although intense, today's game between Praggnanandhaa and Carlsen did not bring much excitement.

In the Four Knights Kingside Fianchetto of the English, Praggnanandhaa pressed on the queenside, but Magnus effectively defused the tension.