Breaking News: Magnus Carlsen Quits 2024 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship Due to Dress Code Disagreement

GM Magnus Carlsen Quits 2024 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship After Dress-Code Disagreement

GM Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world champion, has decided to withdraw from the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship after a dress-code disagreement with FIDE. The disagreement arose when Carlsen received a fine for wearing jeans during the tournament and was given an ultimatum to change before the next round, which he refused. As a result, Carlsen will not defend his double crown in rapid and blitz this year, ensuring new champions will be crowned.

Despite finishing the Rapid with a 5/8 score, Carlsen made the decision to leave the tournament after the dress-code incident. In a statement to IM Levy Rozman, Carlsen expressed his frustration with FIDE’s enforcement of the rules and stated that he had no desire to continue participating in the event. FIDE’s CEO, Emil Sutovsky, defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and fairness for all players.

Following Carlsen’s withdrawal, GMs Volodar Murzin, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Arjun Erigaisi, and Alexander Grischuk have taken the lead in the Open championship with 7/9 points. In the Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship, GMs Ju Wenjun, Harika Dronavalli, and Koneru Humpy lead the standings with 6.5/8 points.

The world champions will be crowned on the last day of the Rapid, with rounds 10-13 in the Open and rounds nine-11 in the Women’s section scheduled for Saturday, December 28. The tournament has seen exciting games and fierce competition, with players vying for the prestigious titles in both categories.

As the tournament progresses, fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating the outcome of the championships and the crowning of the new world champions in rapid chess. Stay tuned for more updates and results from the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship.