The first seven contests between Karjakin and Norwegian champion Magnus Carlsen were all draws but the Russian is now in pole position after a dramatic check-mate at the Fulton Market Building.

A furious Carlsen left the building without attending the post-game press conference, a requirement of both players.

As a result he has been fined 10 per cent of his prize money.

Carlsen, playing with white, tried to force the issue after the string of draws with his risky strategy ultimately backfiring.

He kept pushing forward with Karjakin finding effective moves to counter.

The Norwegian eventually conceded after getting into difficulty and being unable to address the situation.

He had continually pushed forward with his pieces, at the "cost of creating structural weaknesses in his position".

"He really tried and he sacrificed two pawns and he created a really interesting game but somehow he did not manage to make a draw," said Karjakin. 

"Thanks to Magnus, it was a really big day."

Karjakin now leads the 12-game series 4½-3½ before a rest day tomorrow.

Game nine will then be played on Wednesday (November 23).