Karpov: Nepomniachtchi Should Have Been Declared World Champion

The 12th World Chess Champion, Russian Anatoly Karpov, has criticized the International Chess Federation for not declaring Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi as world champion after the latter's performance in the Candidates Tournament, especially following Norwegian Magnus Carlsen’s refusal to defend his title.

“Nepomniachtchi should have been declared the world champion and should already be playing against the Chinese player,” Karpov was quoted by tass.ru.

Nepomniachtchi is set to compete for the chess crown against Chinese Ding Liren, who finished second in the Candidates Tournament. The Nepomniachtchi - Ding Liren match will take place from April 9 to May 1 in Astana.

Arkady Dvorkovich, president of the International Chess Federation, has presented the trophy for the title of world champion. Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi will make the first move with white pieces in the match for the global chess crown.