With some changes, I don’t rule out a return to World Championship cycle: Magnus Carlsen | Chess News – Times of India
Almost nine years after winning his maiden World title in Chennai –Magnus Carlsen will be arriving in the city to represent Norway at the 44th chess Olympiad which starts on July 28. A few days ago Carlsen announced that he would not contest the World Championship final, where he was supposed to play Ian Nepomniachtchi.
During a chat with TOI, the 31-year-old spoke on his decision to not play the next World Championship clash, Norway’s chances at the Olympiad and more.
Excerpts:
Was there a flashpoint when you realised you were not up for the World Championship final anymore?
I have been thinking about this for quite a while. It’s been on my mind, I would say, for the last one-and-half years and I have been pretty sure that I would not play another match after the one in 2021.
Was it fatigue or are you just bored of being the world champion?
I wouldn’t say that I was particularly bored or tired (of the World Championship clash). However, I think it was about (lack of) motivation and that to me is the key.
With you not part of the next WC match, do you feel the clash between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren has lost its sheen?
I think they are both extremely good players and deserve to be playing in the World Championship match. Obviously, I understand that a lot of people will look at the clash differently because the best player in the world will not be there.
Have you given a thought of coming back into the World Championship cycle and playing the Candidates again?
I have never ruled out a return in the future. I mean if there are some changes that are made to the World Championship, then anything can happen. For now, I feel I am at a different stage of my career where I very much enjoy playing the game.
At this point in life, what is it that drives you?
That’s very easy to answer –I love to play chess. I want to win every time I play. I like competition and that’s what drives me.
A podium finish at the Olympiad has eluded Norway so far. Do you see that changing in Chennai in the coming fortnight?
This is clearly the best chance we have ever had (to win a medal). We have a very good team. Russia and China aren’t there which is unfortunate. We have a great chance and I am really excited to be playing at the Olympiad.
You will arrive in Chennai almost nine years after becoming a World Champion here in 2013. What does this place mean to you?
It’s going to be very special to be back there. It is one of the places which is producing some very good players and it is going to be super exciting. I feel the whole tournament is going to be one massive chess festival and I can’t wait to start.
Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has beaten you twice in online encounters this year. How do you assess his progress and the Indian team in general at the Olympiad?
Praggu has beaten me on a couple of occasions but I still have a plus score against him. He is an amazing young talent and D Gukesh as well. I really like the way Praggu, Gukesh and Arjun (Erigaisi) play. Frankly, I would say that the Indian B team (having Praggu, Gukesh, Raunak Sadhwani, B Adhiban and Nihal Sarin) is one of the dark horses to win a medal in the Olympiad.
Do you think not having the experienced Viswanathan Anand will affect the Indian team’s chances?
Not having Anand will obviously affect the team. But I still feel they are very strong. To be honest, the Indian B team scares me more than the Indian A team (which has all the senior players).
During a chat with TOI, the 31-year-old spoke on his decision to not play the next World Championship clash, Norway’s chances at the Olympiad and more.
Excerpts:
Was there a flashpoint when you realised you were not up for the World Championship final anymore?
I have been thinking about this for quite a while. It’s been on my mind, I would say, for the last one-and-half years and I have been pretty sure that I would not play another match after the one in 2021.
Was it fatigue or are you just bored of being the world champion?
I wouldn’t say that I was particularly bored or tired (of the World Championship clash). However, I think it was about (lack of) motivation and that to me is the key.
With you not part of the next WC match, do you feel the clash between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren has lost its sheen?
I think they are both extremely good players and deserve to be playing in the World Championship match. Obviously, I understand that a lot of people will look at the clash differently because the best player in the world will not be there.
Have you given a thought of coming back into the World Championship cycle and playing the Candidates again?
I have never ruled out a return in the future. I mean if there are some changes that are made to the World Championship, then anything can happen. For now, I feel I am at a different stage of my career where I very much enjoy playing the game.
At this point in life, what is it that drives you?
That’s very easy to answer –I love to play chess. I want to win every time I play. I like competition and that’s what drives me.
A podium finish at the Olympiad has eluded Norway so far. Do you see that changing in Chennai in the coming fortnight?
This is clearly the best chance we have ever had (to win a medal). We have a very good team. Russia and China aren’t there which is unfortunate. We have a great chance and I am really excited to be playing at the Olympiad.
You will arrive in Chennai almost nine years after becoming a World Champion here in 2013. What does this place mean to you?
It’s going to be very special to be back there. It is one of the places which is producing some very good players and it is going to be super exciting. I feel the whole tournament is going to be one massive chess festival and I can’t wait to start.
Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has beaten you twice in online encounters this year. How do you assess his progress and the Indian team in general at the Olympiad?
Praggu has beaten me on a couple of occasions but I still have a plus score against him. He is an amazing young talent and D Gukesh as well. I really like the way Praggu, Gukesh and Arjun (Erigaisi) play. Frankly, I would say that the Indian B team (having Praggu, Gukesh, Raunak Sadhwani, B Adhiban and Nihal Sarin) is one of the dark horses to win a medal in the Olympiad.
Do you think not having the experienced Viswanathan Anand will affect the Indian team’s chances?
Not having Anand will obviously affect the team. But I still feel they are very strong. To be honest, the Indian B team scares me more than the Indian A team (which has all the senior players).
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