Magnus Carlsen says no to bath toys

As expected, Magnus Carlsen (32) had no major problems qualifying for the Chess World Cup semi-finals. But he still said no to fighting for the WC title in Long Chess.

The top three in the World Cup automatically earn a ticket into the Candidate Tournament, a WC qualifier that determines who faces World Champion Ding Liren in the next WC match.

– Carlsen adds that with today’s format, there’s absolutely no chance of being nominated Chess 24.

– Everyone has to assume that I won’t run, so the semi-finalists are eligible.

The Norwegian has relinquished this year’s World Cup title after holding it back-to-back since his victory over Visnawatan Anand in 2013.

He won with black pieces against Indian Domaraju Gokesh (17) in Tuesday’s match – and thus managed to draw in Wednesday’s match with White. He managed it easily.

Thus, Carlsen will meet Azerbaijani Nejat Abasov in the semi-finals. He too triumphed over the Indian resistance. Santosh Vidit.