
‘Dubai holds a special place in Magnus Carlsen's career', says father Henrick Carlsen - Middle East Business News and Information
Henrik Carlsen, father of five-time world chess champion and the newly crowned winner of this year's Norway Chess Magnus Carlsen, has hailed Dubai as a 'very special place' in his son's career for how the emirate has played host to some of the Norwegian star's most significant milestones.
'Dubai has been part of Magnus' chess journey for over 20 years now,' Henrik said during an exclusive interview on the sidelines of this year's Norway Chess that came to a close Friday here with Carlsen taking home his record seventh title after beating India's Arjun Erigaisi in a stunning round 10 win. 'He took his final GM norm there in 2004, won his first double crown in 2014, and played his last World Championship match during World Expo 2020. That kind of continuity is rare.'
Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history with the highest peak ELO rating ever, became a grandmaster at the age of 13 – youngest at the time (and the second-youngest GM in history at the time after Sergey Karjakin, who earned the title at 12 years and 7 months) – after obtaining his third GM norm in the sixth edition of the Dubai Open in 2004.
Since then, the 34-year-old has dominated the chess world for over two decades now. His father says anything after that early success has been 'a bonus.'
'I used to say that everything after he became a GM was a bonus – and the bonuses just kept coming,' Henrik said. 'He's still winning tournaments, still competing at the highest level even as he's preparing for a new chapter, becoming a father himself.'
Dubai: Where Carlsen's game meets its match
Dubai has played a pivotal role in Carlsen's illustrious career. In 2014, he clinched the FIDE World Rapid Championship held from 16 to 19 June, and just two days later, secured the World Blitz Championship, becoming the first player to simultaneously hold titles in all three FIDE-rated time controls.
He returned in 2021 to successfully defend his World Chess Championship title against Ian Nepomniachtchi during Expo 2020 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre. One of the most memorable moments was Game 6, which stretched over nearly eight hours and 136 moves – the longest game in World Chess Championship history. This marathon match not only showcased Carlsen's endurance and strategic depth but also underscored Dubai's significance as a backdrop for monumental achievements in the chess world
He returned once again to the emirate for the inaugural Global Chess League in 2023, when he reaffirmed his standing in the sport. Speaking to the media then, Carlsen had made it clear he considered himself the best – a bold reminder that his trademark swagger, accentuated by a ponytail and a calm demeanour, and supreme confidence remain undiminished.
While his appearance – with an untamed mop of hair catching the breeze in Stavanger this week – may have evolved since, Henrik insists little has changed in his son's attitude. 'He's still the same cocky young man — and I mean that in the best way,' he said, as the world reeled from the now-viral 'table-banging' moment that followed Carlsen's dramatic loss to reigning world champion D Gukesh in Round 6. The video, capturing Carlsen's rare show of frustration, spread like wildfire across global media, turning into a sensational talking point not just within the chess world but far beyond. 'In our family, arrogance isn't a flaw if you've earned it — and Magnus certainly has.'
Though speculation has swirled about a possible relocation to Dubai, Henrik denied any such plans. 'He's spent a lot of time there lately, mostly playing golf, but there are no plans to move,' he said. 'He knows all the golf courses there, but he's staying in Norway.'
Still, the city remains deeply connected to his chess legacy. 'Chennai was his first World Championship match, but Dubai remains his last [as of now]. And in between, so many important things happened there,' Henrik said. 'For Magnus, it may well be the most special place in the world.'
Carlsen, who first won the title in 2016, clinched his record-extending seventh Norway Chess title in Stavanger, finishing with 16 points – just ahead of American Fabiano Caruana (15.5) and Indian world champion D Gukesh (14.5).
GM Anna Muzychuk, who finished runner-up last year, won the women's title ahead of China's GM Lei Tingjie and India's Koneru Humpy. Earlier, 15-year-old Emirati prodigy Rouda Al Serkal, a former world youth champion and the UAE's first Woman Grandmaster, wrapped up her maiden appearance in the tournament's open category with three back-t0-back wins.
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Mid East Info
13 hours ago
- Mid East Info
‘Dubai holds a special place in Magnus Carlsen's career', says father Henrick Carlsen - Middle East Business News and Information
Henrik Carlsen, father of five-time world chess champion and the newly crowned winner of this year's Norway Chess Magnus Carlsen, has hailed Dubai as a 'very special place' in his son's career for how the emirate has played host to some of the Norwegian star's most significant milestones. 'Dubai has been part of Magnus' chess journey for over 20 years now,' Henrik said during an exclusive interview on the sidelines of this year's Norway Chess that came to a close Friday here with Carlsen taking home his record seventh title after beating India's Arjun Erigaisi in a stunning round 10 win. 'He took his final GM norm there in 2004, won his first double crown in 2014, and played his last World Championship match during World Expo 2020. That kind of continuity is rare.' Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history with the highest peak ELO rating ever, became a grandmaster at the age of 13 – youngest at the time (and the second-youngest GM in history at the time after Sergey Karjakin, who earned the title at 12 years and 7 months) – after obtaining his third GM norm in the sixth edition of the Dubai Open in 2004. Since then, the 34-year-old has dominated the chess world for over two decades now. His father says anything after that early success has been 'a bonus.' 'I used to say that everything after he became a GM was a bonus – and the bonuses just kept coming,' Henrik said. 'He's still winning tournaments, still competing at the highest level even as he's preparing for a new chapter, becoming a father himself.' Dubai: Where Carlsen's game meets its match Dubai has played a pivotal role in Carlsen's illustrious career. In 2014, he clinched the FIDE World Rapid Championship held from 16 to 19 June, and just two days later, secured the World Blitz Championship, becoming the first player to simultaneously hold titles in all three FIDE-rated time controls. He returned in 2021 to successfully defend his World Chess Championship title against Ian Nepomniachtchi during Expo 2020 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre. One of the most memorable moments was Game 6, which stretched over nearly eight hours and 136 moves – the longest game in World Chess Championship history. This marathon match not only showcased Carlsen's endurance and strategic depth but also underscored Dubai's significance as a backdrop for monumental achievements in the chess world He returned once again to the emirate for the inaugural Global Chess League in 2023, when he reaffirmed his standing in the sport. Speaking to the media then, Carlsen had made it clear he considered himself the best – a bold reminder that his trademark swagger, accentuated by a ponytail and a calm demeanour, and supreme confidence remain undiminished. While his appearance – with an untamed mop of hair catching the breeze in Stavanger this week – may have evolved since, Henrik insists little has changed in his son's attitude. 'He's still the same cocky young man — and I mean that in the best way,' he said, as the world reeled from the now-viral 'table-banging' moment that followed Carlsen's dramatic loss to reigning world champion D Gukesh in Round 6. The video, capturing Carlsen's rare show of frustration, spread like wildfire across global media, turning into a sensational talking point not just within the chess world but far beyond. 'In our family, arrogance isn't a flaw if you've earned it — and Magnus certainly has.' Though speculation has swirled about a possible relocation to Dubai, Henrik denied any such plans. 'He's spent a lot of time there lately, mostly playing golf, but there are no plans to move,' he said. 'He knows all the golf courses there, but he's staying in Norway.' Still, the city remains deeply connected to his chess legacy. 'Chennai was his first World Championship match, but Dubai remains his last [as of now]. And in between, so many important things happened there,' Henrik said. 'For Magnus, it may well be the most special place in the world.' Carlsen, who first won the title in 2016, clinched his record-extending seventh Norway Chess title in Stavanger, finishing with 16 points – just ahead of American Fabiano Caruana (15.5) and Indian world champion D Gukesh (14.5). GM Anna Muzychuk, who finished runner-up last year, won the women's title ahead of China's GM Lei Tingjie and India's Koneru Humpy. Earlier, 15-year-old Emirati prodigy Rouda Al Serkal, a former world youth champion and the UAE's first Woman Grandmaster, wrapped up her maiden appearance in the tournament's open category with three back-t0-back wins.


Al-Ahram Weekly
28-05-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Squash: Egyptian four-time world champion Ali Farag retires at 33 - Omni sports
Egypt's four-time world champion and former World No.1 Ali Farag has announced his retirement from professional squash with immediate effect, calling time on one of the sport's most decorated careers. The 33-year-old Harvard graduate, who held the World No.1 position for 238 weeks, shared the news in an emotional Instagram reel on Tuesday, saying he was stepping away with 'a full heart, a peaceful mind, and an open soul.' 'I hereby announce my retirement from our beautiful sport,' Farag said. 'It's been long coming ever since COVID really and I've achieved all my goals... Squash has been my passion, my identity and my purpose for as long as I can remember.' Farag's decision comes less than two weeks after he reached his fifth World Championship final in Chicago, where he lost to current World No.1 Mostafa Asal. He retires ranked second in the PSA world rankings. Widely regarded as one of the finest players in squash history, Farag claimed 46 PSA Tour titles, placing him sixth on the all-time men's list. His trophy haul includes four World Championships, four Tournament of Champions titles, three Qatar Classics, and three Egyptian Opens. He also won the British Open and three U.S. Open titles—one of which he famously shared with his wife, fellow squash star Nour El Tayeb, in 2017. Farag's professional career began in 2005 and spanned 553 PSA matches, of which he won 445. He also served as PSA Men's President for four years and was voted by peers for the PSA Spirit of Squash Award seven times over the past eight years. In his farewell message, Farag reflected on his journey, noting the sacrifices made for his family. 'I've missed so many of the milestones that I wanted to be there for—the school pickups, the late-night cuddles, the bedtime stories,' he said. 'I've always believed in balance and I feel like that balance has shifted now.' He also thanked his parents, brother, and coaches—including Karim Darwish and Mike Way—and paid tribute to his wife, whom he called 'the most important person' in his life. Farag concluded his message by expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, stating: 'My heart, like so many others, is with the Palestinian people... May we never let silence be complicity.' The Professional Squash Association (PSA) praised Farag's legacy. 'Ali has been a true ambassador for the sport,' said PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough. 'He combined incredible athleticism and talent with humility and sportsmanship... His presence on the tour will be deeply missed.' Farag's retirement means he will not compete in next week's British Open in Birmingham. His seeding will be passed on to Peru's Diego Elias, while England's Simon Herbert will move into the main draw. Career highlights: PSA titles: 46 PSA finals: 81 Match wins: 445 Weeks at World No.1: 238 Represented Egypt in four World Team Championships (all wins) Farag ends his career not just as a champion, but as a symbol of professionalism and grace in modern squash. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


Mid East Info
27-05-2025
- Mid East Info
Rouda Al Serkal breaks new ground for UAE with historic Norway Chess Open debut - Middle East Business News and Information
Rouda Al Serkal, the UAE's first Woman Grandmaster (WGM) at just 15 years old, has marked a significant moment for her country and the Arab world by participating in the Norway Chess Open. This event is not just any tournament but one that draws the globe's chess elite, including the reigning World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju from India and the renowned Magnus Carlsen from Norway. On a sunny Monday evening, Rouda embarked on her journey in the tournament with a challenging match against Ukraine's GM Platon Galperin. Despite her best efforts and a game that stretched over 56 moves, she faced a setback with a 0–1 result. However, Rouda's spirits remained high as she reflected on the match, 'It is sad to not start with a win,' she admitted, but quickly added, 'But it was also incredibly valuable. Playing at this level is intense, and I know I'll grow from this.' This optimistic outlook exemplifies her resilience and determination to improve and succeed in future encounters. Rouda's entrance into the Norway Chess Open, especially in the open category, signifies a monumental shift not only in her career but in the perception of athletes from the Gulf, particularly women. 'It's been an incredible journey for me so far – one tournament at a time, learning from every game and gradually improving. Playing at an event like Norway Chess, alongside some of the biggest names in the sport, is a great experience. It shows how far I've come, and how much more there is to learn and achieve,' Rouda shared, reflecting on her path and the significance of her participation. Her achievement of the Woman Grandmaster title earlier this year was a groundbreaking moment, establishing her as the youngest and the first individual from the UAE to earn this distinction. Rouda's debut in Norway is not merely a personal triumph but a powerful statement of progress and ambition. Her presence at this event underscores a remarkable step forward for Emirati women in the realm of international chess, a field traditionally dominated by players from Europe and Asia. Kjell Madland, the Founder and tournament director of Norway Chess, praised her pioneering spirit, stating, 'She's breaking barriers that we didn't even know existed. For a young Emirati woman to compete in the open category at one of the world's top tournaments—it's inspirational. The significance of Rouda's journey stretches beyond sport.' Rouda's success and her bold steps forward have not only placed her in the spotlight but have also shone a light on the UAE's commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting women's participation in global sports arenas. Madland added, 'I am confident her courage and skill are paving the way for a new generation of Emirati girls who now see a future for themselves on the international stage—not just in chess, but in any field they choose.'