Much has been said about Carlsen and his fiery relationship with American Hans Niemann during the Rapid Chess World Cup.

The duo is in the midst of a terrible conflict that has characterized the chess community for several months. Niemann has had a disappointing tournament himself, and on Wednesday will have to follow the drama surrounding Carlsen and his title race alongside other players from the sidelines.

Expert Atle Grønn had the following to say about Niemann’s photo from NRK:

– I think it’s good for Niemann’s sake that he doesn’t withdraw completely from the others. Chess is his life and he seems to have quite a few friends in the community – and that’s good to think about, said Grønn and added:

– I also think that Niemann doesn’t want to be the main focus today. Both may be drawn to things that are relaxing.

Followed from a distance

Before the final and decisive party split the Norwegians share the lead with Vincent Keymer and Vladislav Artemjev.

Carlsen did his thing and won against Iran’s Parham Maghsoodloo. For Artemjev it was a loss, while Keymer had been waiting for a win against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave for a long time. However, in the end, Keymer didn’t find the right move and had to settle for a draw.

While Carlsen and the joint press corps waited for Keymer and Artmejev to finish, Hans Niemann stood up and followed everyone a few meters below the playing stage.

When Carlsen’s WC gold was secured, the American walked a few feet closer to the stage and looked at the boards.

While Carlsen and many others entered the press zone, Niemann continued to walk several laps around the room.

Niemann refused to be interviewed by NRK during the tournament in Almaty.

Sending touching greetings home

Magnus Carlsen, for his part, took time to talk to NRK after the win. He took the floor himself at the end of the winning interview.

– I just want to say… I say hello to the family at home and of course my dad, who fell ill and couldn’t be there today, he said and continued:

– My best wishes to the family and especially to little Ellen, Mathias and Gregers who was born just in time for fast chess WC.

Ellen Carlsen is the sister of a world champion. He has followed chess stars in tournaments around the world for many years.

It belongs to Carlsen fourth WC rapid chess title and 14th title overall.

– I’m very satisfied. It’s deep inside. I got a pretty good draw in the last round and went white. If I hadn’t bowed to Artemjev it wouldn’t have been so exciting. I had a good draw and in the last round there was a sharp opening. That’s actually fine, because I just need to attack, said Carlsen.

–What does that mean for you?

– It means a lot. Last time I came home empty handed, and I don’t want that to happen again. Now it’s really just a bonus, a lightning jacket, after this. I am very happy and very good that I managed to calm down after the match against Artemjev, he replied.

Bae: A lightning jacket would be a bonus

At a press conference after the gold was secured, Carlsen was relieved.

– I risk not having a WC title after this championship, so obviously it’s very important for me to get one here, said Carlsen, who will not be defending his WC title in classical chess.

NRK chess expert Torstein Bae also agrees.

– After all, he will be the world number one in the rankings, but it is clear that one can say that he is still the (important) world champion. Fast chess gradually took over most of the importance of long chess as well. There is no doubt that the long jacket is lucky. Partly because of Magnus’ actions, but also for other reasons, such as the fact that in our time, thinking time doesn’t pass in an hour, he said and added:

– Magnus is a world champion in one sport with a short time of thinking and maybe in another in two days.

– What do you think of the lightning jacket for Magnus?

– I think it’s very positive that he won here. As he himself said, this would now be a bonus. Now it is a great championship. That he can do it with this gold medal and then be happy at the end and move on. I think that’s a very good basis for looking good in a lightning jacket, replied Bae.

The Blitz Chess World Cup already started on Thursday. You can follow the drama on NRK.no and NRK TV.