Magnus Carlsen officially refused to defend the title of world chess champion

The current world chess champion Magnus Carlsen has confirmed in writing his refusal to participate in the match for the world crown against Ian Nepomniachtchi.

“Grandmaster Ding Liren received this weekend the official invitation to take part in the FIDE World Championship match 2023, after the current World Champion Magnus Carlsen formally confirmed, in writing, that he gives up his right to take part in the match and defend his title”, – FIDE said in a statement on social networks.

Ding Liren took 2nd place at the 2022 Candidates Tournament in Madrid. The match between an Nepomniachtchi and the Chinese grandmaster will be held in 2023.