Magnus Carlsen and opponent Ian Nepomniachtchi have drawn both of their first two matches at the FIDE World Championship in Dubai ©Getty Images

World champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway and challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi, competing as a neutral, today drew the second of 14 games that comprises the International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Championship.

The pair drew their opening contest yesterday and after another intriguing meeting, the spoils were again shared.

Carlsen started strongly before appearing to make a mistake with his 17th move, causing Nepomniachtchi, who is from Russia but cannot play under the Russian flag due to the World Anti-Doping Agency ban on his country following revelations of state-wide doping, to increase his pace of play.

As Nepomniachtchi’s pace of play increased, he handed the advantage back to Carlsen, before the contest finished in a draw after four and a half hours of play and 58 moves, with the Norwegian holding the psychological edge of finishing with an extra pawn.

Ian Nepomniachtchi, who is from Russia but competing at the FIDE World Championship final in Dubai neutrally, has drawn both games against holder Magnus Carlsen so far ©Getty Images
Ian Nepomniachtchi, who is from Russia but competing at the FIDE World Championship final in Dubai neutrally, has drawn both games against holder Magnus Carlsen so far ©Getty Images

In a post-match media conference, Carlsen described the opening two games as "fights", while Nepomniachtchi described today’s match as "in general a very puzzling game."

The contest is taking place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, as part of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Carlsen is aiming to win the Championship for a fifth successive time, with the contest against Nepomniachtchi, who is competing in the World Championship for the first time, delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.