“There is absolutely no chance I play in the Candidates” Magnus Carlsen
Author: Maria Fragaki
In Game 2 of the FIDE World Cup quarterfinals, GM Magnus Carlsen adeptly handled the challenge presented by GM Gukesh D., ensuring a crucial draw. Afterwards, Carlsen affirmed that the remaining World Cup semifinalists would gain entry to the 2024 Candidates Tournament, because there is “absolutely no chance” of him playing at the event “under the current format”. This gives GM Nijat Abasov (2646), the lowest seeded (69th) World Cup semifinalist ever, a great chance of qualifying to this major event.
Game 2 Quarterfinals overview
GM Magnus Carlsen skillfully navigated a formidable test posed by the 17-year-old Indian GM Gukesh D., securing the necessary draw.
In a subsequent appearance on the live commentary, Carlsen confirmed that all other semifinalists of this World Cup would earn berths in the 2024 Candidates Tournament. This decision was made in light of his explicitly stated decision to abstain from participating in the forthcoming event “under the current format”.
Meanwhile, GMs Nijat Abasov and Fabiano Caruana secured their advancement to the semifinals by prevailing over GMs Vidit Gujrathi and Leinier Dominguez, respectively. This incredible win by Abasov made him the lowest seeded (69th) World Cup semifinalist ever to face Magnus Carlsen in the semifinals. “He [Abasov] is having a fantastic tournament! The confidence with which he plays is astounding. [...] I am happy to be in the semifinals not playing the very very top guys. Of course, it will not be easy... I don’t think I have to do anything too unusual; play my game, and hopefully it will be fine.” Magnus said about their upcoming match.
Lastly, GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu demonstrated tenacity, achieving a pivotal victory with the black pieces against GM Arjun Erigaisi, leading to a tiebreak to ascertain the last semifinalist. “I was surprised that Praggnanandhaa managed to win on demand with Black. I didn’t expect this to happen. I thought Arjun is playing so convincingly in this tournament that he will be able to hold the draw. It is very impressive; I would give myself maybe half a percent chance to win in this situation.” Fabiano Caruana commented on their game.
Carlsen not playing in the Candidates
“Under the current format there is absolutely no chance. I think everybody should operate under the assumption that I will not play at the Candidates and that everybody else who’s in the semifinals is qualified for the Candidates” Magnus Carlsen stated at his after-game live commentary appearance.
This news didn’t come as a surprise to the chess world, but what made it groundbreaking was that under these circumstances, the Azerbaijani GM Nijat Abasov (2646) has great chances of qualifying to the 2024 Candidates!
