Magnus Carlsen faces Gukesh in final round at Stavanger amid possible classical chess exit

Carlsen prepares for final round amid retirement speculation
Magnus Carlsen enters the final round of the 2024 Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger after a surprising classical loss to Gukesh Dommaraju. The defeat marked Carlsen’s first classical loss to a reigning world champion since 2010, when he was beaten by Viswanathan Anand in London.

With the standings tight, Carlsen leads with 15 points, just ahead of Gukesh at 14.5. Hikaru Nakamura (13 points) and Fabiano Caruana (12.5) also remain in contention. The final-round pairings are: Arjun Erigaisi vs. Carlsen, Caruana vs. Gukesh, and Wei Yi vs. Nakamura.

Also read: Magnus Carlsen wanted to draw some line in the sand by beating Gukesh in Norway Chess: Viswanathan Anand

Speculation has grown that this could be Carlsen’s final appearance in a classical chess event. Speaking on the Take Take Take podcast, he stated, “It’s a long time since I enjoyed a classical tournament.” Despite this, a tournament victory remains in reach.

World Rapid and Blitz Championships set for London
Following Stavanger, attention shifts to the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in London. The event will take place from June 11 to June 15 at the Novotel London West Hotel in Hammersmith. Matches will run daily from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with limited tickets available.

Fifty-five teams are expected, including top players like Hikaru Nakamura and Ian Nepomniachtchi. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will field strong national teams. However, the top-seeded team is WR, led by German businessman Wadim Rosenstein. The team includes Nakamura, Nepomniachtchi, Hou Yifan, and Alexandra Kosteniuk.

Carlsen is not expected to participate in the World Rapid and Blitz event, continuing his public rift with FIDE. Notable English squads include Malcolm’s Mates, seeded ninth, and e-therapeutics, seeded 19th and featuring 10-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan.

Adams and Clarke share Cambridge chess title
In domestic competition, the Cambridge tournament concluded with eight-time British champion Michael Adams and blitz specialist Brandon Clarke sharing first place with 7.5 out of 9 points. Clarke secured his final-round win with the Hungarian Dragon Sicilian in just 21 moves.

Also read: 'I've also banged a lot of tables': Gukesh reacts to Carlsen’s Norway Chess meltdown

Adams has remained unbeaten over three years at the Cambridge tournament, now with 27 straight games without loss. His consistent performances highlight his strategic approach and experience, even as younger challengers rise through the ranks. His primary domestic rival has been Dan Fernandez.

Cambridge continues to be a stronghold for Adams, while other key events loom. Prize money at Cambridge ranges from £1,500 to £600. In comparison, the British Championship in Liverpool this August offers top prizes of £6,000 to £1,500. The English Championship in Warwick this July will award between £2,000 and £750.

With rising youth talent and returning veterans, the English chess calendar remains competitive. Roman Shogdzhiev of Russia, now the youngest international master at age 10, is a rising star to watch in future events.