Carlsen, with nothing to prove, rules out comeback

Magnus Carlsen feels he is still better than the young generation of chess players, but the Norwegian great is ruling out a comeback at the classical world championship.

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PARIS - Magnus Carlsen feels he is still better than the young generation of chess players, but the Norwegian great is ruling out a comeback at the classical world championship.

The world No. 1 cited lack of motivation when he announced in 2022 he would not defend his title the following year. Since then, the 34-year-old has been succeeded by China's Ding Liren and Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju.

Five of the top 10 players were born in the 2000s, but Carlsen, who has embarked on a journey to spice chess up with the creation of the Freestyle Grand Slam and his involvement in the Esports World Cup, feels he has nothing to prove.

Asked if he would aim for the title again, he said on March 17: "I don't see that at the moment. I think it's very unlikely."