Chess: Carlsen drops World Championships

The Norwegian Chess Association supports Magnus Carlsen's decision to stay away from the World Chess Championship, and is at the same time strongly critical of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Carlsen (19) does this, knowing he may lose NOK 10 million in prize money and the chance to become the youngest world chess champion ever.

Newspaper VG reports that Carlsen has sent a letter to FIDE, saying that after careful consideration he has decided not to participate, due to the present "unjust and old fashioned regulations" governing the championship.

Dag Danielsen, Secretary General of the Norwegian Chess Association, says to NRK that he fully supports Carlsen's decision.

- The ruling World Champion is too highly favoured. This is really sad, because it means that Magnus will not get the chance of becoming the youngest world champion of all times, Danielsen says.

Danielsen appeals to FIDE to take into consideration the points raised by Carlsen in his letter, saying that in his view it will not be a real world champonship without Carlsen participating.

Carlsen, who is presently ranked the number one chess player in the world, says it was a tough decision to make.

(NRK) 

Saturday, 06 November 2010 07:31