The Aimchess US Rapid semifinal between World Champion Magnus Carlsen and Armenian grandmaster Levon Aronian was evenly poised on Thursday, September 2 evening. Nothing could separate the two Meltwater Champions Chess Tour big beasts as they played out four consecutive draws, Times of India reports.

It leaves their match locked 2-2 going into the day two decider on Friday.

Aronian came closest to making the breakthrough - but Carlsen is known for his second-day prowess in Tour matches and will roar back. FTX Crypto Cup winner Aronian, who played in his favourite Lionel Messi shirt, said afterwards: "It was a tight match, I think I had chances in the second game, but after that it was pretty solid."

Aronian earlier defeated Azerbaijan's Shakhriyar Mamedyarov in both games to make the semifinals.