KUALA LUMPUR — Defending champion Magnus Carlsen sparked controversy at the World Rapid Chess Championship in New York after violating the tournament’s dress code, according to German news agency dpa.
The 34-year-old Norwegian, who is ranked world number one, showed up for Friday’s match wearing jeans, which are strictly prohibited for participants.
Following his second game of the day, Carlsen was fined US$200 (RM944) by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and was given an ultimatum to change his attire.
He refused, leading to his disqualification from round nine.
Carlsen subsequently withdrew from the remaining rounds, expressing frustration: “If this is what they want to do, I’ll probably set off to somewhere with nicer weather,” he said.
FIDE confirmed Carlsen’s breach, stating that jeans had been “explicitly prohibited under long-standing regulations for this event. These rules have been in place for years and are well known to all participants and are communicated to them ahead of each event.” — December 28, 2024