English Chess Forum

The Norway Chess organisers today revealed a line-up with several surprises for this year's 10th edition of the super tournament, which takes place from May 31 to June 11. 4-time winner Magnus Carlsen heads the field, as expected, but Richard Rapport and Teimour Radjabov, who will take part in the Candidates Tournament just six days after their final game in Stavanger, have both accepted invitations. So have ex-World Champions Viswanathan Anand and Veselin Topalov, and Wang Hao, who announced his retirement last year.

In a phone call with Chess.com today, Wang gave more details, saying that he has suffered for about a year from what was probably a stomach ulcer. Basically, throughout 2021, he was dealing with this, including during the Candidates Tournament, but since the start of 2022, he has been feeling better after a long time of rest.

"I did not expect this invitation at all and thought for about a week before I decided to accept it. After not traveling for a long time, I can use the fresh air!" joked Wang, who applied for a visa two days ago and is not expecting any trouble in getting to Norway.

I am a little surprised they didn't use the opportunity to invite another Norwegian player, likely Aryan Tari (I strongly believe that if you have a prestigious tournament if at all possible it should contribute to the development of the nations chess - if they don't invite their up and coming talent why would you expect another country's events to?)

Matt Mackenzie wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 08, 2022 10:23 pm

Tari really struggled last time though, IIRC. Though you don't hear so much of Hammer these days?

Magnus Carlsen and Vishy Anand will lock horns again as the 10th editor of Norway Chess starts in Stavanger this Monday with a blitz tournament. In the run-up to the event the organisers explained why they decided to invite a number of semi-retired and inactive players, including a surprise return to top-level action for China's Wang Hao.

Matt Mackenzie wrote: ↑

Mon May 30, 2022 5:12 pm

What's the Rapport switch about then?

Chessbase News wrote: The Romanian Federation announces a surprising and high-profile change of federations: The Hungarian top player Richard Rapport and his wife Jovana, who plays for Serbia, will change to the Romanian Federation. Sacha Dragic, the owner of the Romanian gambling portal Superbet, is said to be behind this change of federations. Superbet sponsors numerous sporting events, most recently the Grand Chess Tour tournaments in Bucharest and Warsaw.

Matt Mackenzie wrote: ↑

Mon May 30, 2022 5:12 pm

What's the Rapport switch about then?

Matt Mackenzie wrote: ↑

Mon May 30, 2022 5:12 pm

What's the Rapport switch about then?

David Sedgwick wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 05, 2022 4:15 pm

Today I watched the start of play live for the first time.

As Anand v Carlsen reached Move 3, a fire alarm sounded in the commentary area ...