MOSCOW, July 17, Oleg Bogatov. Honorary President of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC ), First Vice Speaker of the State Duma Alexander Zhukov believes that the reigning world champion Norwegian Magnus Carlsen will decide to play with Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi for the world chess crown. Previously, Nepomniachtchi won the Candidates Tournament in Madrid and won the right in 2023 to play again for the world chess crown with Carlsen. The Norwegian defended the title four times, the last time he beat Nepomniachtchi in 2021. Carlsen has not yet guaranteed his participation in the match. «I think Magnus will play. It seems to me that he will not be able to just give up the title of world champion, even though he has been one for many years. This is my opinion «, — Zhukov said. If the Norwegian does not take part in the match for the world chess crown, Nepomniachtchi will play for the title with the Chinese Ding Liren, who took second place in the Candidates Tournament.
