CHENNAI: World no. 1 Magnus Carlsen remains the undisputed king of chess. However, the 31-year-old, who won his fifth World title last year, may not defend the crown next year.
In an exclusive chat with TOI on the eve of Oslo Esports Cup --- part of the Champions Chess Tour --- Magnus spoke on why he was unsure of playing another WC match, his views on the Russian players being banned by the FIDE and more.
How has 2022 been shaping up for you?
I won the Tata Steel tournament in Wijk Aan Zee to start the year and then had good wins in the first two legs of the Champions Chess Tour. My form has been generally going in the right direction. I hope to continue with that in the Oslo Esports Cup as well.
Have you come closer to making a decision on being part of the 2023 World Championship match?
I haven't decided yet (on playing the 2023 WC match). I am not 100% sure that I will play. What's holding me back --- at this point --- is that I want to see how I feel when the Candidates tournament is going on. When that tournament finishes --- how I feel at that point --- will decide if I want to play (the match or not).
Has your decision been influenced by the fact that a majority of your identity has been linked to your World Championship titles?
Yes, that is for sure. Frankly, featuring in tournaments like the Norway chess, the Olympiad make me happier than being part of the World championships. I just love playing chess but don't love playing the World championship.
While you would remain an active player, have you thought of concentrating your energies on other sporting disciplines?
No, I don't think so. The level of activity I have in chess --- I don't think I will achieve that in any other sport. So, for the moment I am happy to play chess, especially the faster time controls. I love chess in general and will continue playing the sport.
With FIDE banning the Russian and Belarusian players, what does it mean for the chess world?
Personally, I have been trying to support Ukraine -- financially as well. I feel we should encourage the Russians to take a stand against something that I don't think a lot of them vouch for. I know that there are exceptions like (Sergey) Karjakin, but I think we should give Russian players the opportunity to take a stand and not just automatically ban them because of nationality.
Could you talk to us more about the financial help you are doing for Ukraine?
We raised a lot of money via the Charity Cup, the second leg in the Champions Chess Tour. Also, this week I am playing a friendly match with Grandmasters from Lviv, Ukraine to further their cause.
With India hosting the chess Olympiad for the very first time this year, do you see a big lift for the profile of the sport in the country?
I am very happy to see that development. I think the fact that India, and the Tamil Nadu region in particular, is hosting the tournament at such short notice shows the ambition the country has and the respect they have for the sport.
Will you be part of the tournament in Chennai?
For now, I can only say that it is quite likely that I will be taking part in it. It's almost been 9 years since I visited Chennai as I haven't been there since the 2013 World championship win.
