It is now well known that football players are heading to Arab countries to earn big money there. Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar now play in Saudi Arabia. Many ageing stars are also playing in Qatar to secure their finances for the rest of their lives. This tendency also exists in chess, although not nearly as strong.
But if Magnus Carlsen sets off for a tournament in classical time control, there must be good incentives. The tournament begins tomorrow with the arrival day and the opening ceremony. The first round starts on October 11th at 3 p.m. local time. The winner receives 25,000 US dollars, and the runner-up will not be any poorer with 15,000 US dollars. But it is questionable whether the 25,000 US dollars are enough to lure Magnus Carlsen to Qatar. A much higher amount was probably needed as an entry fee to make participation possible.
Behind Carlsen are Hikaru Nakamura and Anish Giri, two players with whom Carlsen has a very special relationship and rivalry.
The German colors are represented by Robert Baskin and Raphael Lagunow, who of course both have their eye on a GM norm. With over 50 participating grandmasters, there is no need to worry about not having enough title holders to play against. Oliver Brendel completes the trio of German participants.
It will definitely be exciting days in the desert state!
But if Magnus Carlsen sets off for a tournament in classical time control, there must be good incentives. The tournament begins tomorrow with the arrival day and the opening ceremony. The first round starts on October 11th at 3 p.m. local time. The winner receives 25,000 US dollars, and the runner-up will not be any poorer with 15,000 US dollars. But it is questionable whether the 25,000 US dollars are enough to lure Magnus Carlsen to Qatar. A much higher amount was probably needed as an entry fee to make participation possible.
Behind Carlsen are Hikaru Nakamura and Anish Giri, two players with whom Carlsen has a very special relationship and rivalry.
The German colors are represented by Robert Baskin and Raphael Lagunow, who of course both have their eye on a GM norm. With over 50 participating grandmasters, there is no need to worry about not having enough title holders to play against. Oliver Brendel completes the trio of German participants.
It will definitely be exciting days in the desert state!
