RIGHT NOW: See summary and interviews on TV 2 Sport 2 and TV 2 Play.
Magnus Carlsen surprised after Wednesday’s round in the Champions Chess Tour.
He appeared for an interview with both Chess24 and TV 2, contrary to what had been reported ahead of the tournament.
He is currently keeping his cards close to his chest about why he lost on purpose against Niemann – but warns of a statement later.
– I can’t say anything about that. But people can draw their own conclusions, and they definitely have. And I must say that I am very impressed by Niemann’s playing. I think that his mentor must have done a very good job, says Carlsen to Chess24.
When asked if he can confirm or deny whether there is suspicion of cheating, he replies:
– I will not comment on that.
– I understand very well that the current situation is unfortunate for many, says Carlsen to TV 2.
– If there is a final between you and Niemann, will you run?
– Time will tell, then, he replies and laughs.
– Do you think that Niemann is a cheater?
– So I will make a statement after the tournament. Probably on Monday or sometime early next week.
– I would have liked to have said more now about different things, but you have to wait a bit – and then I and hopefully others will also try to focus on the tournament in the meantime, says Carlsen.
The case is updated!
Both on
Magnus Carlsen left the field in the finals of the Champions Chess Tour. The 31-year-old secured first place even before the last round of the preliminaries had begun.
Hans Niemann has now also qualified for the play-offs. After losing the first game of the day, he hit back hard with two straight wins. The victory in the 14th round secured Niemann’s place in the play-offs.
Niemann’s good result means that Carlsen will not meet Niemann in a quarter-final. The earliest they can meet is in a final.
Both Niemann and Carlsen thus also qualify for the next tour tournament starting next month.
Completely crushing
Despite the abandonment that made headlines in the chess world, Carlsen finishes with the best result he has made in the opening rounds of the Champions Chess Tour this year.
In 15 rounds, the world champion has ten wins, four draws and one loss. He ends the preliminary rounds with 34 points out of a possible 45.
It is also the best opening result in a Champions Chess Tour ever.
On Thursday, Carlsen meets Levon Aronjan in match format. Niemann meets Le Quang Liem.
RIGHT NOW: See summary and interviews on TV 2 Sport 2 and TV 2 Play.
