Magnus Carlsen made his announcement on a podcast. Photo: EFE
World chess number one, Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, announced his resignation Wednesday to defend his 2023 World Cup title. “I’m not motivated by the idea of playing another game. I just think I don’t have. a lot to gain. I don’t like it, “Carlsen said in the first episode of his podcast The Magnus Effect.
In recent months Carlsen had insinuated on several occasions that, tired of a title he has held for almost ten years, he could leave the throne without a fight.
He had lost this chance last December, shortly after he was crowned double world chess champion, after beating Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi 7.5-3.5.
Magnus Carlsen has no plans to retire from chess. Photo: Reuters
“While I’m sure a game would be interesting for historical and other reasons, I have no desire to play and I won’t play just for the fun of it,” Carlsen said in a podcast released Wednesday.
In case of new successes in 2023, Carlsen could have matched the German Emanuel Lasker – champion from 1894 to 1921 – and the Soviet Mijail Botvinnik – champion from 1948 to 1963, even though he had lost twice in that period.
“Overall I have the impression that it is time for me to leave the World Cup matches. I do not rule out a return in the future,” added Carlsen, stating that the retirement is not taken into account.
“So that there is no ambiguity, I will not retire from chess, I will continue to be an active player,” said the 31-year-old.
Carlsen’s resignation should benefit the second in the Candidate Tournament, the Chinese Ding Liren, Ian Nepomniachtchi’s probable future opponent for the world crown.
Source: AFP
Source: Clarin
