'I am not part of circus anymore': Carlsen rules out title match with Gukesh

World number one chess player Magnus Carlsen has appreciated the decision-making of D Gukesh and congratulated him on becoming the youngest-ever World Chess champion.

However, Carlsen ruled out the possibility of a title match with Gukesh.

The 18-year-old Indian defeated Ding Liren in the 14th and final game of the World Chess Championships to clinch the world title.

In the post-event press conference, Gukesh stated that he would love to fight it out against Carlsen at some point. The Norwegian maverick decided not to defend his title in 2023 after winning the world championship in 2013.

"Winning the World Chess Championship does not mean I am the best player, obviously that is Magnus Carlsen. I want to reach the level Magnus has achieved," Gukesh said.

"Playing against Magnus in the world championship would be amazing, it would be the toughest challenge there is in chess. It is up to Magnus, but I would love to test myself against the best player in the world," he added further.

But Carlsen ruled out the chance of a title match.

"I am not part of this circus anymore," said Carlsen in a general reference to world title clashes.

Praise and appreciation for Gukesh

Carlsen appreciated Gukesh and his team for managing to keep calm during the tough tournament and strike at the right time. Carlsen highlighted the growth of Gukesh and how he clinched the world title.

"It's an incredible achievement (by Gukesh), first he was down in the FIDE circuit, won the tournament in Chennai on demand, then he had an amazing performance in the Candidates tournament," said Carlsen.

Carlsen also praised Gukesh's team and said they did a good job.

"It's a really good thing for him, he has the title now for two years, winning this championship is extremely motivating so there is a very good chance that he is going to go for a great run of results now and probably become the number two player now and may be number one in the not so distant future," he said.

"There are many more success stories to come, it was really heartwarming to see what it means to Gukesh, it was a very beautiful moment," Carlsen summed it up.