Controversy continues to swirl around Magnus Carlsen’s unexpected loss in the second round of the Qatar Masters Open, but not for the reasons you might think. Rather than criticizing the victor, Alisher Suleymenov, who is rated 2512, the focus has shifted to the wristwatch he wore during the match. Meanwhile, Hikaru Nakamura has also come under fire from Carlsen for his clickbait video title.
Magnus Carlsen rarely loses important chess games, so when he does, it becomes a newsworthy event. This was certainly the case after his defeat to world No. 578 Alisher Suleymenov in just 31 moves during the second round of the Qatar Masters Open. Suleymenov employed impressive sacrifices to secure the victory.
The issue at hand is Suleymenov’s watch and the implications it carries. Carlsen took to social media to express his disappointment and concerns about the security measures at the event. He questioned why Suleymenov was allowed to wear his watch during the game, as FIDE regulations prohibit the presence of any potential electronic devices or objects that could aid in cheating. There seems to be a difference in opinion regarding the necessity of such strict security measures for this particular event.
Content creators quickly seized on the controversy for their recaps of the round, with Hikaru Nakamura being no exception. His original video title, “Magnus LOSES and Then Accuses!?!?!” drew criticism from Carlsen himself. While Nakamura’s use of Carlsen’s name for clicks may be acceptable, Carlsen found the accusation in the title to be distasteful.
It’s no secret that chess content creators rely on Magnus Carlsen’s name to attract viewers, as he is the top-ranked player and a popular figure in the chess world. Nakamura, as the second-ranked player, also benefits from this association. However, Carlsen’s criticism of Nakamura’s video title is justified, as it was clearly designed to maximize attention rather than provide accurate information.
As of now, Nakamura has renamed his video to “Day 2 Qatar Masters Drama.” In contrast, Levy “GothamChess” Rozman, known for his provocative titles, has chosen “NEW CHESS CHEATING SCANDAL??????????” to capture viewers’ attention.
| Player | Rating | Result | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnus Carlsen | NA | Loss | Alisher Suleymenov | 2512 |
| Alisher Suleymenov | 2512 | Loss | S.L. Narayanan | 87 |
| Magnus Carlsen | NA | Win | Al Muthaiah | 2470 |
In the subsequent round, Suleymenov lost to S.L. Narayanan, who is ranked 87th in the world. Carlsen, on the other hand, bounced back with a victory against International Master Al Muthaiah, who is rated 2470.
Carlsen’s concerns about security measures at the event have not gone unnoticed. Organizers have taken steps to tighten security, including adding a delay to the broadcast, restricting player movement, and further limiting items allowed in the playing hall. While it is unfortunate that it takes controversy to prompt fairer competition, Carlsen’s statements have had an impact.
About the author
Source: DOTESPORTS
