The Norwegian, the reigning world chess champion, had claimed his third rapid title at the Central Chess Club on Saturday (December 28).

He topped the podium in the blitz discipline in nervy conditions, forced to play Hikaru Nakamura of the United States in a tie-breaker about both competitors ended on 16.5 points.

The pair drew the first match before Carlsen won the second, bringing to an end an impressive year.

Both Carlsen and Nakamura received $55,000 (£42,000/€49,000) in prize money. 

Vladimir Kramnik of Russia was the bronze medallist after scoring six wins and a single loss in the final day of action. 

Kateryna Lagno successfully defended her title in the women's blitz competition, despite losing to fellow Russian Alisa Galliamova in the 13th round. 

She went into the final round on equal points with Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine, defeating Antoaneta Stefanova of Bulgaria to take gold while Muzychuk earned the silver. 

China's Tan Zhongyi and Russia's Valentina Gunina shared the bronze.