Magnus Carlsen takes U-turn, to play World Blitz Championship after FIDE relaxes rules on jeans

Five-time world chess champion Magnus Carlsen has confirmed that he will return to play the FIDE World Blitz Championships in New York, with the seven-time Blitz champion now having been given permission to play with jeans.

Carlsen was disqualified from the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships on the second day of the event after he refused to switch from his jeans to formals. According to FIDE (International Chess Federation) rules, players are prohibited from wearing jeans at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships. However, the sporting body has now relaxed the rules, stating that “appropriate jeans” matching the jacket would be allowed.

As a result of his disqualification, Carlsen was unpaired for Round 9 of the World Rapid Championships. Carlsen, however, announced that he will play in the Blitz Championships after the rules were relaxed.

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BREAKING: @MagnusCarlsen returns to play the World Blitz Championship. pic.twitter.com/v7LDwadRVj

— Take Take Take (@TakeTakeTakeApp) December 29, 2024

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‘I’m playing at least one more day’: Carlsen 

“I am playing at least one more day here in New York and, if I do well, another day after that," Carlsen told American chess Master Levy Rozman on the Take Take Take app. “We had a lot of discussions yesterday and we have a good relationship with FIDE President Dvorkovich… Speaking to Dvorkovich and the main sponsor Turlov it did feel we could have some fruitful discussions and in the end of the day I decided to play,” he added.

The FIDE, too, released a statement confirming the Norwegian’s participation. “FIDE looks forward to continuing our collaboration with Mr. Carlsen and the global chess community to enhance the conditions and atmosphere of FIDE competitions, ensuring the best possible experience for players and fans alike,” the statement said.

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“This is great news for the chess world. We are delighted that the reigning World Blitz Chess Champion will be competing to defend his title and aim for another crown at the highly anticipated event in New York," added the statement.

Carlsen had responded to his disqualification by sharing a photo of himself with jeans on social media, with the caption “OOTD”, meaning Outfit Of The Day.

OOTD pic.twitter.com/9reOP6zuJv

— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) December 28, 2024