Magnus Carlsen Disqualified Over Dress Code

Magnus Carlsen, the world's top chess player, withdrew from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York after being disqualified for wearing jeans, violating the tournament's dress code. Despite receiving a $200 fine and a request to change, Carlsen declined, stating it became a matter of principle for him after a rushed change from a lunch meeting. He expressed that he didn't initially realize his attire was inappropriate, having changed into a shirt and jacket but unintentionally kept his jeans. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) confirmed that he could have returned for subsequent rounds but Carlsen chose to forfeit, also pulling out of the Blitz Championship scheduled to follow. Carlsen, a seven-time World Blitz champion and five-time Rapid champion, remarked he was too old to care much about the incident, stating he might seek warmer weather instead. This incident marks a significant moment in his career, as it is the first time the World Rapid Championship has been held in the U.S.