Magnus Carlsen rules out chess title clash with Gukesh: Not part of this circus anymore-OxBig News Network

Magnus Carlsen ruled out chances of facing India’s D Gukesh or playing against other opponents in World Chess Championship title clashes. After winning five times since 2013, Carlsen did not choose to defend his title last year. It was only after his withdrawal that Ding Liren was picked to face Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi in the title clash.

Carslen beat the legendary Viswanathan Anand in 2013 and stayed as the champion before deciding not to defend his title in 2023. The 34-year-old Norwegian chess legend talked about his decision not to be a part of the “circus”.

“I am not part of this circus anymore,” Carlsen said on a popular recap stream, analysing the match.

Carlsen also praised Gukesh for his triumph at the World Chess Championship after beating China’s Ding 7.5-6.5.

“It’s an incredible achievement (by Gukesh), first he was down in the FIDE circuit, won the tournament in Chennai on demand, then he had an amazing performance in the Candidates tournament,” Carlsen said.

On Thursday, December 12, Gukesh had said that it would be an honour for him to face Carlsen. Lauding Carlsen as the “best player in the world”, Gukesh talked about testing his game and improving himself after locking horns with him.

“Winning the World Chess Championship does not mean I am the best player, obviously that is Magnus Carlsen. I want to reach the level Magnus has achieved,” Gukesh said.

“Obviously, playing against Magnus in the world championship would be amazing, it would be the toughest challenge there is in chess. It is up to Magnus, but I would love to test myself against the best player in the world,” Gukesh added.

Gukesh became only the second Indian after Anand to win the title. He also became the youngest world champion and the first teenager to achieve the landmark, breaking Garry Kasparov’s record.