The deadlock continues at the World chess championship.
The score was 2.5-2.5 after a fifth straight draw between defending champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway and Sergey Karjakin in New York.
Seven games remain in the classical time control format. If it's still a tie, then blitz and rapid games would decide the champion.
Carlsen opened with the 'Giuoco Piano' move in the fifth game after employing 'Trompowsky' in the first and Ruy Lopez in the next three.
The reigning champion had been in dominant positions in the four games, putting his Russian rival under considerable pressure. But Karjakin broke away with supreme defense .
But, in game five, the table turned and Carlsen had to fight for a draw. The Norwegian’s 41st move, with his king, "a huge blunder," according to him, could have cost him dearly. But, Karjakin, who had winning chances for the first time in the match, failed to take advantage.
The match was drawn after 54 moves. There were one rook and three pawns apiece besides the opposite-coloured bishops.
"Yeah, sure, I was lucky," said Carlsen. "I screwed up and was lucky not to lose."
Karjakin, of course, looked more cheerful at the press meet. "At least I am happy today that I finally got a good position."
He would also be happy that he would be playing with white pieces in the next two games.
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