What NEXT if Carsen refuse to defend his Championship?

[Chessqueen]

Magnus Carlsen’s statements regarding his potential withdrawal from the following match for the world crown, getting second place in the Candidates has suddenly gained relevance. If Carlsen indeed chooses not to play, will the World chess championship be between the top two players in the final standings of the Madrid event?

Note: I do NOT remember what happened when Bobby Fisher In 1975 refused to defend his title when an agreement could not be reached with FIDE. Probably Mr. Larry Kaufman can give us some detail ?

[Chessqueen]

Magnus Carlsen’s statements regarding his potential withdrawal from the following match for the world crown, getting second place in the Candidates has suddenly gained relevance. If Carlsen indeed chooses not to play, will the World chess championship be between the top two players in the final standings of the Madrid event?

[Graham Banks]

Let's hope that Magnus isn't a pussy, and that he will defend his crown.

[AdminX]

Let's hope that Magnus isn't a pussy, and that he will defend his crown.

Really, If he does not want to play that would make him a pussy? LMAO Now Kramnik avoiding a rematch with Kasparov might qualify.

[Uri Blass]

Magnus Carlsen’s statements regarding his potential withdrawal from the following match for the world crown, getting second place in the Candidates has suddenly gained relevance. If Carlsen indeed chooses not to play, will the World chess championship be between the top two players in the final standings of the Madrid event?

Note: I do NOT remember what happened when Bobby Fisher In 1975 refused to defend his title when an agreement could not be reached with FIDE. Probably Mr. Larry Kaufman can give us some detail ?

When Fischer refused to defend his title Karpov became the world champion because he won earlier a match against Viktor Korchnoi for the right to play against Fischer.

Today there was no earlier match so if Carlsen does not defend his title we are going to see a match between the winner of the candidates tournament and the second player in this tournament for the title of world champion.

[CornfedForever]

I would like to see him refuse...for Naka to finish clear second...beat Nepo in a 'playoff'...Naka become World Champion...Carlsen decide he made a mistake and challenge Naka...and Naka say "Qualify...like I did and I'll be man enough to play you".

A boy can dream...

[Chessqueen]

I would like to see him refuse...for Naka to finish clear second...beat Nepo in a 'playoff'...Naka become World Champion...Carlsen decide he made a mistake and challenge Naka...and Naka say "Qualify...like I did and I'll be man enough to play you".

A boy can dream...

Wishful thinking, it is not going to be Nakamura, but GM Ding Liren is a much tougher opponent for Carlsen than anybody, simply check his record against Carlsen, GM Liren hold the highest percentage of Win and Draw against Carlsen than any other GM.

NOTE: I strongly believe that if Carlsen refuse GM Ding Liren will beat Nepo, and Carlsen will be a happy contender next year.