The news, not exactly surprising, was stunning nonetheless — world chess champion Magnus Carlsen was voluntarily relinquishing his crown and would not play a second title defense match against Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi planned for 2023.
While vowing to remain an active tournament player, the Norwegian superstar had been openly signaling his lack of interest in yet another grinding defense of the title he won in 2013 and has successfully defended four times since then, including a convincing win over Nepomniachtchi less than a year ago.
“It’s very simple, that I am not motivated to play another match,” Carlsen confirmed in a podcast interview last week.