Karpov - Korchnoi Candidates Final 1974

During September-November 1974, Soviet grandmasters Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi faced each other in a match of 24 games to determine who would have the right to challenge the American, Bobby Fischer, for the World Championship. Since Fischer ultimately refused to defend his title, the match proved to be a de facto World Championship contest. Play ended with victory going to the 24-year-old Karpov by the score 12½:11½ (+3, -2, =19). This was despite a strong comeback by Korchnoi, who won the 19th and 21st games, having been three points behind with only six games remaining.