The Norwegian team in check mate for ETCC 2009
Breaking news: Magnus Carlsen withdraws from the European Team Chess Championship 2009. He has confirmed his participation several weeks ago, but after discussing the matter with Garry Kasparov, Magnus Carlsen has choosen to rest and prepare before Tal Memorial. The news was confirmed by his father Henrik Carlsen to tv2.no.
His team mate and Nettavisen's chess expert GM Leif Erlend Johannessen comments for Nettavisen, "This was noot good for us. But I understand the decision. China was a huge effort. Kasparov probably decided that the wisest thing to do was to get some rest before Tal Memorial."
The Norwegian team consist of GM Jon Ludvig Hammer, GM Leif Erlend Johannessen, IM Frode Elsness og FM Joachim Thomassen and coach GM Peter Heine Nielsen (DEN). With Magnus Carlsen it was considered a top 10 candidate. As they are not allowed to have a substitute player, they will have to play a game every round. Besides, as GM Johannessen will arrive to Serbia a day late, they will automatically lose on board 4 in round 1.
"This is an awkward position. It's unclear if we are able to participate", comments for Nettavisen chairman of the top player's committee Hans Krogh Harestad at the Norwegian Chess Federation.
Magnus Carlsen understands the serious matter of the situation. He was going to play in Serbia without any additional remuneration, only his expenses were covered by the federation. Now he has offered to recover the money spent for him on accommodation.
The story is still developing and Chessdom.com is bringing you the latest details thanks to our good friends from Norway - Ole Valaker and Eirik T. Gullaksen.
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