Athletistic/Chess. Russian chess player Ian Nepomniachtchi’s coach Vladimir Potkin has commented on the news that reigning world chess champion Magnus Carlsen has refused the crown match with his ward.

Nepomniachtchi’s new opponent is expected to be China’s Ding Liren, who finished second in the Candidates Tournament.

The Federation Council called on FIDE to take Carlsen’s crown and give it to Nepomniachtchi

“I would like to say that this is shocking news. Magnus Carlsen is certainly a legendary chess player, world champion. His match with Jan would be a real gem. It should be said here that Magnus has been making such statements since the end from the game in Dubai. Perhaps his inner feelings, the search for motivation he found for each game, became the main reason for the refusal.

Shocking news for all of us, but as world champion Magnus is entitled to his own opinion. We will prepare for another game,” Potkin said.

Karpov called “Middle Ages” MP Teryushkov’s idea of ​​equating the change of sports citizenship with treason