File photo of Gukesh taking on Carlsen at Norway Chess. Photo: Special Arrangement
The World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen may not be keen to have a match — a series of games — with the newly crowned World champion D. Gukesh, but the two will come face to face at the Norwegian’s home. The two are playing at the Norway Chess tournament beginning on May 26.
It is one of the strongest chess tournaments in the world. The highlight would of course be the battle between Carlsen, a five-time World champion, and Gukesh.
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Arjun Erigaisi, the World No. 4, and China’s Wei Yi, the World No. 9 are also in the field for the six-player round-robin tournament being held in Stavanger.
“I’m excited to face the strongest players in the world again in Norway and also the Armageddon will be fun,” Gukesh said. “I’ll prepare as I usually do and try to be the best version of myself in every way.”
In the 2023 edition, he had finished third. He didn’t play in this year’s tournament, which was won by Carlsen.
The organisers of Norway Chess are excited at the prospect of the match-up between Carlsen and Gukesh. “This matchup is truly unique, and it’s thrilling to see the World Champion face off against the world’s highest-rated player,” said Kjell Madland, founder and tournament director of Norway Chess. “The whole world will be watching, and the Norway Chess team is proud to host such an incredible event here in Stavanger.”
Published – December 16, 2024 05:46 pm IST
