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Chess University Weekly Digest #44
Kairav Joshi
December 29, 2024
Jeansgate | FIDE Rapid World Championship | Puzzle Challenge
As the year comes to a close, the world of chess continues to surprise us! From unexpected drama at the FIDE World Rapid Championship to stunning victories and inspiring comebacks, this week has been nothing short of electrifying.
Dive into this edition to catch up on all the chess action you missed this week.
🧩 Puzzle Challenge #41 - Can You Find White’s Best Move?
🤔 White To Move
What is White's best move?Choose the best move and comment with the continuation. |
👖 Magnus Carlsen’s “Jeansgate” at the FIDE World Rapid
Magnus Carlsen withdrew from the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship after being unpaired for the ninth round due to a dress code violation. Fined $200 for wearing jeans, Carlsen offered to change his attire the next day but was told he must comply immediately.
"I said I'll change tomorrow... but they said you have to change now & it became a matter of principle for me so here we are! Honestly I'm too old at this point to care too much. If this is what they want to do I"ll probably set off to somewhere where the weather is a bit nicer"
— chess24 (@chess24com)
11:11 PM • Dec 27, 2024
Carlsen criticized FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand’s inability to challenge the arbiter’s decision, stating, “Anand said very clearly that he didn't know any opportunity to do anything past going with the arbiter's honestly draconian decision of not pairing me. That means that for all his good qualities, he was not ready for the job. That’s how I feel.”
He also strongly criticized FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky, saying, “Generally we have been able to reason with Dvorkovich. If you are talking about Sutovsky, well I don’t think that man can be reasoned with in any way.”
The incident has sparked heated debates in the chess community, with some criticizing FIDE’s handling of the situation, while others argue Carlsen’s actions reflect arrogance.
🏆 2024 FIDE World Rapid Championship Results
The 2024 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship crowned 18-year-old GM Volodar Murzin as the new champion. Murzin's undefeated performance, including a critical win against GM Fabiano Caruana, earned him a historic title with a score of 10/13. Russian players dominated the podium, with GM Alexander Grischuk finishing second and GM Ian Nepomniachtchi securing third, both scoring 9.5/13.
In the Women's section, GM Koneru Humpy made a stellar comeback to claim her second world title in rapid chess, finishing with an impressive 8.5/11. Her victory reinforces India's rising dominance in global chess.
⚡ FIDE World Blitz Championship and Magnus Carlsen's U-Turn
The FIDE World Blitz Championship is set to begin with an unexpected twist—Magnus Carlsen will participate after all! Following discussions with FIDE officials, Carlsen will be allowed to play under a more relaxed dress code.
Carlsen, reflecting on his decision to compete, said, "I want to give the fans an opportunity to see this. Whether it's going to be the last time, who knows, but for now I am here." He humorously added, "I will definitely play in jeans!"
With Carlsen back in action, the Blitz Championship promises thrilling matches as the chess world prepares to witness an electrifying end to 2024.
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Kairav Joshi
President and CEO
ChessUniversity.com
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