Just Saying

In an interview with VG (Verdens Gang), Norway’s World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen has once again “threatened” not to defend his title anymore, but not for sure and if or not if means nothing more than “I will make that decision later. But if there are some who expect and hope that I shall say yes to playing, then I have to prepare them for a disappointment”, he said. In any event, Carlsen is not thinking of retiring, and is still on the top. His coach, Peter Heine Nielsen, is still in the family entourage. Unibet has renewed its sponsorship. Thus, whether it is a poker bluff or a threat stronger than its execution, one cannot but note that the timing of the shocking announcement is perfect to set new and high challenges — not necessarily only financial — before the International Chess Federation (FIDE).