Return of the US challenge

Comical start, grueling finish World Chess Championship officials might rethink the role of ceremonial starter after Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson knocked over a king and moved the wrong pawn in a comical start to the event in London on Friday. Norwegian title holder Magnus Carlsen (left in pic) and Fabiano Caruana were bemused onlookers as the US actor began their eagerly anticipated match-up by knocking over the American challenger’s king. It was a memorable start to the ^1 million contest. Carlsen, 27, has won the last three championships and is the world’s top ranked player. Caruana, 26, is bidding to become the first American to win the title since Bobby Fischer in 1972. Carlsen threw away victory in a dramatic time scramble as Caruana was able to claim a draw after 115 moves and seven hours. afp

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