World champion’s busy schedule contrasts with rival Ian Nepomniachtchi’s closed doors preparation
As November’s 14-game, $2m 2021 world championship match in Dubai approaches, Norway’s title holder, Magnus Carlsen, is continuing his busy tournament and media schedule, while his Russian challenger, Ian Nepomniachtchi, is pulling out of events or playing them in second or third gear.
Nepomniachtchi, the current world No 4, is believed to have assembled a strong team of aides, notably including the 2004 title challenger and popular online commentator Peter Leko, plus the cream of Russian analytical talent. Fide is ostensibly neutral, but there is little doubt that its energetic president, Arkady Dvorkovich, would privately regard the individual crown as a welcome addition to the online Olympiad team gold where Russia defeated the US in the final.