A brief pre-match exchange between Alua Nurman and Magnus Carlsen turned into an unusual talking point during the second round of the Grenke Chess Freestyle Open in Karlsruhe, Germany.
The 18-year-old female Grandmaster, paired against the world number one, took the opportunity to capture the moment with a selfie before the start of the game. Carlsen, relaxed before the competition, he obliged, and even smiled at the picture, giving Nurman a memorable memento ahead of what was always going to be challenging on all sides.
A moment later, however, the tone changed. When the players were seated and the game was about to start, Carlsen got up from his seat and returned with the referee, as if asking for Nurman’s phone to be removed from the field of play. While this move may have seemed sudden, it was fully in line with tournament rules.
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Lady took a selfie with Magnus Carlsen before the match started. In response, Magnus Carlsen reported his opponent to the referee, which led to her phone being confiscated pic.twitter.com/pqNcMZBrI6— unsightly things (@PicturesFoIder) April 4, 2026
According to the FIDE manual, players are not allowed to carry or use mobile phones or any communication devices in the playing area unless specifically authorized by the arbitrator. The rule forms the cornerstone of anti-cheating measures in modern chess, where even the presence of a device can be considered a violation regardless of intent.
PREVIOUS EVENT RECURSING AGAIN
Carlsen’s strict adherence to these regulations is nothing new. In the previous edition of the tournament, tienne Bacrot asked for a selfie before his game. On that occasion, Carlsen also called an arbiter, this time to ensure that Bacrot removed his wristwatch, another item that could potentially fall under restricted equipment depending on tournament guidelines.
Despite the brief interruption off the deck, Carlsen’s focus remained unwavering. He quickly settled into the game and maintained his strong run in Karlsruhe, defeating Maxime Lagarde in the following round.
Carlsen entered the tournament as the defending champion after delivering a flawless 9/9 performance in the previous edition. Early indications are that he remains in formidable touch, combining sharp play with a disciplined approach to the rules. His actions, both on and off the board, underscore a consistent commitment to maintaining the integrity of the competition as he pushes for another dominant performance in Karlsruhe.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
04 Apr 2026 17:01 IST
