Surprising news from FIDE: in a press release the FIDE announced that World Champion Magnus Carlsen will play in the next World Cup, which will take place in Sochi, Russia, from July 10 to August 6. It's a knock-out event with 206 players, in which the two finalists will qualify for the Candidates 2022. However, as reigning World Champion Carlsen is already guaranteed a spot in the Candidates 2022 should he lose the World Championship match against Ian Nepomniachtchi in November. But maybe the World Champion wants to play some over-the-board chess again after the long break caused by the pandemic and enjoys the challenge of a very tough tournament. | Photo: David Llada