Chess world champion Magnus Carlsen has come one step closer to successfully defending his title.
After a draw in the tenth game on Wednesday in Dubai against the Russian challenger Jan Nepomnjaschtschi, the 31-year-old Norwegian is now 6.5: 3.5 in the lead.
The duel is scheduled for 14 games.
Both players refrained from any noteworthy attempts to win on Wednesday.
If Nepomnyashchi, three points behind, had wanted to play for a profit, a Sicilian opening would have been expected, but the challenger stayed with Black with solid Russian.
Carlsen also chose a risk-free option.
When the 41st move was reached, the point was shared after 2:05 hours of play.
The Norwegian only needs one win or two more draws to defend his world title.
Whoever reaches 7.5 points first, wins.
The two opponents will pause on Thursday, and the next World Cup game will continue on Friday (1.30 p.m.).
A total of four games are still scheduled.
One point is awarded for a win and half a point for a draw.
Carlsen had successfully defended his title in 2014, 2016 and 2018.