“Decision Seemed…”: Viswanathan Anand Opens Up On Magnus Carlsen’s Disqualification From Chess Event

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand mentioned FIDE did not need to disqualify Magnus Carlsen from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship, however the Norwegian left them with no selection after refusing to observe the foundations. Defending champion Carlsen was fined USD 200 for carrying denims, that are “explicitly prohibited” below event laws and when he refused the request by chief arbiter Alex Holowczak to vary his apparel proper after the eighth spherical, he was disqualified. He was not paired for Round 9 of the Rapid championship, going down at Wall Street.

“He simply refused to follow the rules, left us with little choice. Today this decision seemed emotional. Magnus was not willing to compromise,” Anand, the deputy president of chess’ world governing physique, informed Chessbase India.

“Obviously, it was not a step we wanted to take. We offered several options (to Magnus). The arbiter said that as long as Magnus changed his jeans before the ninth round, it would be fine.

“But Magnus mentioned that he was not going to do it on precept. He himself acknowledged that it is a matter of precept for him. The arbiter merely utilized the foundations, and we supported that.” Anand said although he did not speak to Carlsen, he did ask Carlsen’s father Henrik for more clarifications.

“He acknowledged that they weren’t going to concede. So I left,” Anand said.

“Every different participant is following the foundations. Ian Nepomniachtchi was requested to vary, and he did. That is why he was capable of proceed. The incontrovertible fact that Magnus merely refused to observe it left us with little selection.”

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