Magnus Carlsen and Russia's number 1 Ian Nepomniachtchi set up a repeat of their world title battle in the Airthings Masters final on a day overshadowed by outside events. Nepo was among three Russians who had made it through to the last four of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour event before their country's invasion of Ukraine overnight.
Despite the turmoil, all three expressed the desire to continue in the competition. However, it was clear world events had affected them. There was a sombre mood among all the players as Nepo finished his quarterfinal off against his fellow Russian, the 19-year-old Andrey Esipenko. In chess terms, he did it with a flourish, but there was little celebration.
