Twenty-seven-year-old Carlsen came close to becoming the first world champion to win the opening game of a World Chess Championship as black in 37 years during yesterday's opener at The College in Holborn.

A blunder on move 40 made a draw the most likely result, however, with that coming to pass after a seven-hour marathon.

Caruana battled back today, never allowing the Norwegian a winning chance despite playing with the disadvantageous black pieces.

The American was always ahead on the clock as the draw was declared after 49 moves in roughly 3 hours 15min.

"This was not very good," Carlsen said, according to Tarjei Svensen. 

"I was surprised in the opening, I thought I had chances to a small advantage. 

"I miscalculated something.  

"Then I had to beg for a draw, but that went without problems."

With the match at 1-1, the first rest day will be tomorrow before play resumes on Monday (November 12).

At the Women's World Championships in Russian city Khanty-Mansiysk, two quarter-finalists were decided as the second matches of the best-of-three third round were played.

China's reigning champion Ju Wenjun was first to advance as she drew with compatriot Zhai Mo to secure a 1½-½ win.

Former world champion Mariya Muzychuk of Ukraine also went through as she completed a 1½-½ win over Iran's Mobina Alinasab.

Six other matches will have to be completed tomorrow to complete the last eight line-up.

The competition format sees each round consist of two classical games and, if needed, a rapid/blitz tiebreak on the third day.