In the open tournament, Volodar Murzin, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Arjun Erigaisi and Alexander Grischuk are currently leading with 7 out of 9 points each, while in the Women’s World Cup Ju Wenjun, Harika Dronavalli and Koneru Humpy are at the top with 6.5 out of 8 points each lay. The world champions will be crowned this Saturday. From 8 p.m. you can watch the last four rounds of the Open as well as the last three women’s rounds live on ChessBase. A detailed report on the rounds of the second matchday will follow shortly on this page.
Carlsen’s Hosen scandal
Head referee Alex Holowczak stated that Carlsen was fined $200 after the seventh round for wearing jeans. He was told that he had to change before the ninth round or he would not be paired. However, Carlsen refused to comply with this ultimatum. Holowczak emphasized that Carlsen was not excluded from the tournament and could have taken part in the tenth round. But Carlsen had already decided to leave the tournament at this point. In an interview with IM Levy Rozman, Carlsen stated that he would have been willing to change the next day, but not between rounds during the tournament. He said: “My patience with them was not great from the start. It’s fine, they can enforce their rules, but my answer is: Fine, then I’m out. F**k you.”
Carlsen also told the Norwegian broadcaster NRK: “As I see it, I am currently in open war with FIDE.” He further explained: “Yes, it has come to the point where I have been involved for many years. But I don’t want to have anything to do with them anymore. I apologize to the fans, maybe it’s a stupid question of principle, but I don’t think it’s funny if it has to happen like that.”
In an official statement, FIDE (see below) emphasized that the dress code is intended to ensure the values of “professionalism and fairness for all players”. The regulations were drawn up by the FIDE Athletes Commission, consisting of professional players and experts, and have been known for years. Ian Nepomniachtchi was also fined $200 for wearing jeans, but changed clothes after the warning. It was pointed out on social media that other players, such as Zaven Andriasian and Hikaru Nakamura, have also worn jeans or similar pants without being penalized for it.
FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky defended the head referee’s decision, saying that Carlsen would have had enough time to change as his hotel was only three minutes away from the match venue. At the same time, he speculated that Carlsen’s decision could also be related to frustration with his performance in the tournament and his general attitude towards cooperation with FIDE. Carlsen ended the rapid chess tournament with a win against Brewington Hardaway, followed by a lucky draw against Daniel Dardha and a win against his compatriot Aryan Tari.
FIDE’s official statement on the incident:
FIDE regulations for the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, including the dress code, are designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.
Today, Mr. Magnus Carlsen breached the dress code by wearing jeans, which are explicitly prohibited under long-standing regulations for this event. The Chief Arbiter informed Mr. Carlsen of the breach, issued a $200 fine, and requested that he change his attire. Unfortunately, Mr. Carlsen declined, and as a result, he was not paired for round nine. This decision was made impartially and applies equally to all players.
Earlier in the day, another participant, Mr. Ian Nepomniachtchi, was also fined for breaching the dress code by wearing sports shoes. However, Mr. Nepomniachtchi complied, changed into approved attire, and continued to play in the tournament.
The dress code regulations are drafted by members of the FIDE Athletes Commission, which is composed of professional players and experts. These rules have been in place for years and are well-known to all participants and are communicated to them ahead of each event. FIDE has also ensured that the players’ accommodation is within a short walking distance from the playing venue, making adherence to the rules more convenient.
FIDE remains committed to promoting chess and its values, including respect for the rules that all participants agree to follow.
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