Controversy Erupts as Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi Share World Blitz Championship Title

The decision by Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi to share the World Blitz Championship title has caused uproar in the chess community, with many criticizing the move as unprecedented and unfair. The two players, after a series of sudden-death games failed to produce a winner, decided to share the title, a first in the history of the championship.

Former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik slammed the international chess federation for not having a rule in place for such a scenario, questioning their decision-making process. The controversy comes on the heels of Carlsen’s disqualification from the Rapid section for wearing jeans, which led to a revision of FIDE’s dress code policy.

US Grandmaster Hans Niemann expressed his disbelief at the situation, calling the chess world a joke and accusing FIDE of bias towards Carlsen. A clip circulating on social media showed Carlsen suggesting to Nepomniachtchi that they could play short draws until FIDE gave up, prompting calls for an investigation by Niemann.

Susan Polgar, another chess grandmaster, pointed out the discrepancy in how Nepomniachtchi and Daniil Dubov were penalized for playing out a draw at a previous event, questioning the consistency of the rules. Indian grandmaster Srinath Narayanan also weighed in, stating that criticism of the regulations as an excuse was nonsense, citing the example of the Wimbledon 2019 final where Novak Djokovic emerged as the clear winner.

The decision to share the World Blitz Championship title has sparked a debate within the chess community, with many questioning the fairness and integrity of the game. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how FIDE will address the concerns raised by players and fans alike.