Magnus Carlsen quotes Jose Mourinho to explain decision to withdraw from Sinquefield Cup

Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world chess champion and Grand Chess Tour wildcard player, elected to withdraw from the Sinquefield Cup, currently being held at the Saint Louis Chess Club in Saint Louis, MO through September 12, 2022.

The 31-year-old did not go into length to reveal why he decided to abrubtly leave tournament but interestingly did use a quote from famous football manager Jose Mourinho to explain his silence on the same. Along with his Tweet to announce his decision to leave the Sinquefield Cup, he also put up a video of Jose Mourinho who had once said in an interview after a controversial game, "I prefer not to speak. If I speak I am in big trouble … and I don't want to be in big trouble."

Tony Rich, Executive Director of Saint Louis Chess Club talked about Carlsen leaving the tournament midway, saying that they respect the player's decision.

“A player’s decision to withdraw from a tournament is a personal decision, and we respect Magnus’ choice, ″ said “We look forward to hosting Magnus at a future event in Saint Louis.”

Rich continued: “The Sinquefield Cup, as do all Grand Chess Tour events, feature the best chess players across the globe. We look forward to crowning a champion at the conclusion of this year’s tournament.”

The Sinquefield Cup is one of the longest running and most prestigious international chess tournaments to be held in the United States and features a $350,000 total prize fund. It also serves as the final leg of the Grand Chess Tour, a circuit of international events featuring the world’s best chess players.

FTX Crypto Cup: Magnus Carlsen loses to Praggnanandhaa

Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu beat world champion Magnus Carlsen at the FTX Crypto Cup on Monday to secure the second spot in the tournament. This is the third time in just six months that Praggnanandhaa has defeated Carlsen. The 17-year-old won the match in the blitz tiebreak after the score was levelled at 2-2 at the end of the regulation game. Carlsen was seen scratching his head in disbelief after losing the tiebreak to Praggnanandhaa. 

(with inputs from AP/https://www.prnewswire.com)