Total Chess Chief Defends Fast Classical Format for World Championship Tour
· Sports · Times of India, NDTV Sports
Kjell Madland, Chief of Total Chess, has defended the fast classical-only group stage format for the Total Chess World Championship Tour pilot in Budapest. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and 23 other players are participating in the event, which begins on November 10 at the Anantara New York Palace in Budapest, Hungary. The format dictates that qualification for the semi-finals is based solely on fast classical games, with rapid and blitz formats used only after the group stage. Madland, also the founder and CEO of Norway Chess, stated that the fast classical time control is a new FIDE-announced format from September 2025, and the tournament serves as a test for it. He also clarified that the 20 players not advancing to the semi-finals are not eliminated and will continue to play for positions 5 to 24 across all three formats until the finale on November 20. A nine-round Swiss-system blitz tournament and the opening ceremony are held on the same day, with blitz standings used to break ties
Why it matters
This new format could significantly impact competitive chess strategy and player preparation for future tournaments. The outcome of this pilot event will influence how fast classical chess is integrated into major championships, affecting top players like Magnus Carlsen and the broader chess community.
Read the original report — Times of India
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