Azerbaijani Nijat Abasov to face Magnus Carlsen in Chess World Cup semi-final

Abasov, ranked only 69th as he entered this tournament, continued his remarkable run by defeating India's Vidit Gujrathi, Inside The Games reports.

The pair had drawn their opening game but Abasov won the second encounter to earn his first competitive meeting with Carlsen.

"I have never faced Magnus in an official tournament, it will be a wonderful feeling to play against the world number one," Abasov said.

Carlsen sealed his place in the semi-final with a halved second game against India's D Gukesh. 

"I am happy to be in the semi-final not playing the very very top guys," Carlsen said.

"Of course, it will not be easy, I don't think I have to do anything too unusual, play my game, and hopefully it will be fine."

Carlsen has never won this tournament but reached the last four in 2021 before losing to Poland's Jan-Krzysztof Duda, the eventual champion.