Filatov predicted Carlsen's participation in the title match with Nepomniachtchi

MOSCOW, July 3, Sergey Fuks. Head of the Russian Chess Federation (RCF) Andrey Filatov expressed confidence that the match for the world chess crown between Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi and Norwegian Magnus Carlsen would take place. On Sunday, Nepomniachtchi won the Candidates Tournament in Madrid ahead of schedule. Earlier, Carlsen stated that he was ready to make his next title defense only against Alireza Firouzja from France. «Any world championship match is associated with an incredible level of tension. I admit that any world champion simply may not have enough psycho-emotional strength to fight further. But Magnus Carlsen — an outstanding champion, and, of course, I think that the match will take place. He is a real athlete, so it will be an exciting match,» said Filatov. Nepomniachtchi won the previous Candidates Tournament, after which he lost in the world title match to Carlsen.