Carlsen walks off in anger after defeat

Karjakin won the eighth game on Monday after seven draws, though, of course, Anand had won the ninth after eight draws. Aside from this, the underdog has won the first game and Karjakin’s win catapulted him into the lead, 4.5-3.5, with only four rounds to go. Like Kasparov in 1995, Carlsen was upset with his loss. If Kasparov had shown his anger at the board against Anand in Game 10, the Norwegian did that soon after the result. After the game, Carlsen refused to answer questions from an Agon (sponsor) reporter and Norwegian media and immediately went to the press conference area. Because Karjakin gave his customary private interview with Russian television, Carlsen was all alone for almost two minutes. 

With the world champion growing visibly uncomfortable, his manager Espen Agdestein asked for the press conference to begin without Karjakin. A few moments later, Carlsen threw up his arms and stood up, exiting back through the private door to the playing area. He did not return. According to the match regulations, he may forfeit five percent of his prize money to Agon and a further five percent to FIDE. The prize fund is $1 million, with 60% going to the winner and 40% to the loser, or 55-45% in case of a playoff. Organizers have not commented yet if the penalty will be enforced. Agdestein later commented: “He was frustrated and angry with his own performance.”