Ending months of uncertainty over his participation, five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen has announced that he will compete in the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship in Doha next month. Carlsen’s confirmed his participation in a tweet on Thursday, where he also made a cheeky reference to the infamous jeansgate controversy that had seen him quit the World Rapid Championship mid-way before being persuaded to play in the World Blitz Championship.

“9 years ago I left the world rapid and blitz in Doha with two near misses and some viral rage moments. This year I hope to improve on the former, but regardless I promise to deliver on the latter. Also, I’ll be grinding the gym to fit into tighter jeans than last time,” Carlsen posted on his X handle.

Carlsen had quit the World Rapi

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