Promoter examines playing contract after Carlsen’s shock defeat – Dagbladet.no

STAVANGER (Dagbladet): The public, the press, organizer responsible and Magnus Carlsen’s supporters reacted all almost in disbelief when the world’s best chess player lost in time against Veselin Topalov during the first round of Norway Chess.

Carlsen had not been joined by the tournament’s unusual rules for time control. 24-year-old was therefore shocked when the judge announced after over six hours and 60 moves he had lost, though he only seconds earlier was poised to win.

Carlsen took afterwards self-criticism for not knowing the rules well enough, but was not satisfied with Norway Chess-management.

– This is my fault, but I think I could have been better informed. It is allowed to say that it is my fault, but also that the organizers could have done a better job, says Carlsen told Dagbladet.

Examines agreements

Now tell organizer responsible in Norway Chess Jøran Aulin-Jansson that he will comb player contracts to see whether the rules of the unusual time control is specified.

– I have not checked it. There have been so many papers back and forth between us and the players. This betekningstiden has been discussed, but it was this we landed on.

– How have you informed the players about this time control ahead of the tournament?

– We’ve done it both orally and in writing. But I’m going to take this (paperwork) tomorrow (Wednesday), said Aulin-Jansson just before midnight.

– Very sad

Aulin-Jansson, who is also President of the Norwegian Chess Federation says while he experienced the event as distressing.

– I think this is very sad. I thought that Magnus did not know the rules. I was very surprised.

– If the rule is not in the contract, it may have consequences for the outcome?

– No. Chief referee also stated about betekningstiden before the round, says Aulin-Jansson, who is also President of the Norwegian Chess Federation.

Dagbladet was however witnessed Carlsen arrived playing hall just seconds before the start and after the referee had Read the rules. Swede admitted that it was a contributing factor to block.

Manager Espen Agdestein do not deny that Carlsen camp could have averted the loss.

– It’s a shock for Magnus. It is one point lost as he never gets back. It is also uncomfortable that it is a form of uprofesjonalitet, lest our team or he has been joined this time control. That makes it extra bitter, said Agdestein Dagbladet after party.