CHENNAI: World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, on Wednesday, made it official that he will not be defending the World title. In a podcast chat with Magnus Barstad, the 31-year-old announced his decision to not be part of the World championship clash.
The Norwegian, however, made it clear that he isn’t retiring from the sport. Magnus’ decision means that Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren --- the top-2 finishers at the recently-concluded Candidates tournament --- will get to fight for the next World title.