Once Upon a Windowsill

The imminent 2022 Candidates Tournament will probably “make history” more than FIDE elections. That’s because Magnus Carlsen, the reigning World Chess Champion, has threatened not to defend his title in case the challenger isn’t to his liking. Like Dylan’s Ophelia, he’s “neath the window”, apparently longing and praying and waiting for Alireza Firouzja to ask him what he was thinking. However, it’s likely that Carlsen’s threat of default is only a provocation and pressure against FIDE. In the end he will defend his title, whoever the challenger may be. He might also run the risk of losing the crown, and more especially if either Fabiano Caruana or 丁立人 (Dīng Lìrén) have the impudence to pick the challenge.