Magnus Carlsen, the world’s No1 chess player, has triggered a major backlash after cutting short a game to share a world championship title with his rival.

The 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster was drawing his speed chess match with Ian Nepomniachtchi, of Russia, on Wednesday, and was deep in a sudden death tiebreak before he leaned over the board and suggested a deal for them both to be crowned winners.

When officials at the World Blitz Championships in New York agreed the move, it was greeted by a wave of protest from fans, commentators and players.

Carlsen, fresh from getting his way earlier in the event in a row with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) over wearing jeans, is now at the centre of yet another controversy.