World Chess Weekly: Here's A FIDE Event Carlsen DOES Like—Starting Now, The Rapid & Blitz

Yesterday

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The players have arrived, a slightly cringe opening ceremony done, the press conference finished, and we're all set for the big seasonal showdown: the World Rapid & Blitz.

We're ready to go! The always-incredible FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championship—GM Magnus Carlsen and all—is about to kick off and that's without a doubt the big headline this week.

Carlsen joins nearly 400 players from around the globe to battle it out for the world crowns on offer in Doha. We're so pleased he's there.

Carlsen is the reigning joint winner of the Blitz event, having shared last year's crown with GM Ian Nepomniachtchi after the pair decided to end the final on peaceful terms.

Arkady Dvorkovich at the opening ceremony with Mohammed Al Modiahki.

Photo: Anna Shtourman/FIDE.

That was a controversial decision, leaving last year's event in New York to end a bit of a damp squib. It won't be happening again this year, that much is for sure even though we can't predict a lot else!

Last year also saw the Carlsen "Jeansgate" row over dress code. Carlsen pulled out of the Rapid as a result of his dispute with FIDE, which accused him of being too casual. Again, that won't happen again.

But don't think this year will be without controversy somewhere—it will. Questions have already been raised about how GM Alireza Firouzja was able to be a late addition to the glittering line-up. The chess public want something to complain about!

The stage is set in Doha.

Photo: Lennart Ootes/FIDE.

The twin tournaments with both Open and Women's sections run until December 30.

The Open Rapid Championship includes 251 players, while the Open Blitz Championship features 254 players. The Women’s events bring together a field of 142 players.

At the pre-event press conference, FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich welcomed players and guests to Doha and thanked the hosts and partners for staging the event.

He said: "We are very pleased to be here in Doha, Qatar, just one day before the opening of the World Rapid and Blitz Championships."

He described Qatar as “a beautiful place with a rich and successful chess history” and noted that players "really love this place, which is why they have all come here to show their best qualities."

Carlsen attended the press conference alongside his family.

Asked about recently becoming a father, Carlsen said: "I love being a husband and a father. It has been a fantastic experience this year."

He added with a smile that "neither my wife nor my son are too much of a help when it comes to chess advice yet," before underlining his competitive focus: "I am here to win, as always. That does not change."

When questioned about his motivation for the event, Carlsen stated that he is competing to win, while also noting with a smile that there are expectations in Norway for him to provide good holiday entertainment.

You can follow all the action from the the Sports and Events Complex at Qatar University on FIDE's event website here.