Alireza Firouzja is on a mission to chase down Magnus Carlsen, the world's best chess player, after Carlsen beat him 2.5-1.5 in the Magnus Carlsen Invitational.

What happened?

Carlsen's win restored his supremacy over Firouzja, but the 16-year-old chess phenom remains a threat to Carlsen's dominance.
Firouzja had earlier beaten Carlsen in the Banter Blitz Cup, a competition Carlsen was favored to win.
The final game of that match is considered an instant classic.

Why it matters for Alireza Firouzja

Carlsen's reaction to his win over Firouzja showed the intensity of their rivalry, with Carlsen saying he wanted to "crush" Firouzja.
Firouzja had accused Carlsen of cheating in their World Blitz 2019 matchup, which Carlsen won via time.
The controversy surrounding that match has fueled their rivalry.

What comes next?

Firouzja, ranked No. 21, still remains a step behind the world's best overall, but his determination to catch up is clear.
Carlsen, ranked No. 1, is not ready to cede control of his perch atop the chess world.
Their rivalry is expected to define chess in the coming years, with many anticipating their next matchup.
And the chess world is watching, eager to see if Firouzja can finally surpass Carlsen.
But for now, Carlsen remains the champion, with a narrow win over Firouzja in the Magnus Carlsen Invitational.
So the question on everyone's mind is: can Firouzja finally beat Carlsen and take the top spot?
The answer will have to wait, as their rivalry continues to unfold.
Firouzja's performance in the Banter Blitz Cup showed he has the skills to compete with Carlsen.
Carlsen's win in the Magnus Carlsen Invitational was a reminder that he is still the best.
The World Blitz 2019 finish, which saw Carlsen win via time, was a controversial moment in their rivalry.
Firouzja's accusation of cheating has added fuel to the fire, making their matches even more intense.
As the rivalry between Carlsen and Firouzja continues, one thing is clear: the chess world will be watching.