World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen withdrew from the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Championship after refusing to comply with the tournament’s dress code prohibiting jeans.
The Norwegian grandmaster was fined $200 following round seven and missed rounds nine and ten after declining to change his attire when given an ultimatum.
Carlsen told chess media outlet Take Take Take he would skip the remaining rounds and the upcoming World Blitz Championship, opting to “leave for somewhere with better weather.”
The tournament continues with GMs Volodar Murzin, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Arjun Erigaisi, and Alexander Grischuk sharing the lead at 7/9 in the Open section.
In the Women’s World Rapid Championship being held nearby, GMs Ju Wenjun, Harika Dronavalli, and Koneru Humpy lead with 6.5/8.
