Caruana had moved into pole position yesterday and ensured he would remain in the lead going into the sixth round of matches tomorrow at the Kuehlhaus venue in the German capital Berlin.

The win for the American saw him end round five with a total of 3.5 points.

The result maintained Karjakin's difficult start to the tournament as the Russian, who lost to Magnus Carlsen on a tie-break in the last World Championship final two years ago, is still searching for his first win.

Karjakin's team-mate Vladimir Kramnik was unable to join Caruana on 3.5 points as his match with Filipino-American Wesley So ended in stalemate.

Azerbaijan's world number two Shakhriyar Mamedyarov is also stuck on three points after he drew against China's Ding Liren.

The winner of the prestigious tournament will go on to face Norway’s 27-year-old Carlsen for the world title.

The event, featuring eight players and which is due to last until March 28, is being contested as a double round-robin with each player playing 14 games, seven with white pieces and seven with black.

A top prize of €95,000 ($117,000/£85,000) is also on offer for the winner.