Players will compete across formats like classical, rapid, and blitz to crown an overall world champion. A trial event is scheduled for late 2026, with the full season starting in 2027 and offering a prize pool of at least $2.7 million annually.Haaland explained his interest, saying, “Chess is an incredible game. It sharpens your mind, and there are clear similarities to football. You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, and think several moves ahead. Strategy and planning are everything”.

Why Haaland is investing

Haaland believes the new tour can make chess more exciting for fans worldwide. He said, “I’m investing in Norway Chess because I believe the new Total Chess World Championship Tour can turn chess into an even bigger sport for spectators around the world. The team behind Norway Chess has already done an impressive job growing the event, and joining the project was too exciting to pass up.”Officials are also optimistic about the move. Norway Chess CEO Kjell Madland said, “We expect the new championship to become one of the most prestigious events in the global chess calendar. The fact that Erling is joining us as an investor says a great deal about the commercial potential of this tour.”

In her message, Sakshi reflected on Pan Singh’s struggles and achievements, showing how much he means to the family. She wrote, “From a young boy who left his village alone with courage… to building a legacy that the whole nation respects – your journey is pure inspiration. The strength behind my Man’s success and because of you he is what he is today. We love you. Happy Birthday.”

Dhoni’s role and ongoing discussions

Meanwhile, discussions around Dhoni’s role in the IPL continue. Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers suggested that Dhoni should bat higher up the order for Chennai Super Kings. He said, “It’s very tricky and not straightforward. Brands are built over years, and CSK have built this empire over many years with this MS Dhoni figure that’s always been there.”He added, “We know he can be impactful with the bat, but if he’s batting that low and not captaining, it feels like he’s almost just making up for a spot for the wrong reasons.“I do feel Ruturaj and Sanju are the perfect players to take over from MS (Dhoni). My only issue is where MS fits in and if he’s not going to have that big impact batting at 4, 5, 6 sometimes, then rather be out of the squad.“Let someone else, that can maybe bowl and bat and have a bigger impact in the game, to come in there and then MS can almost sit on the side as a mentor and still guide the guys.”

Criticism from former champions

“First of all, the Indian chess player became [champion] by chance, because he wasn’t supposed to win the match against the Chinese player [Ding Liren]. The Chinese player lost a game there that he shouldn’t have lost. Had he not, the Chinese player would have remained the world champion,” Karpov told a Russian outlet KP.RU. This isn’t the first time such criticism has surfaced. Former champion Vladimir Kramnik had earlier reacted strongly, writing, “No comment. Sad. End of chess as we know it.” He also criticised the quality of play during the match, saying, “Frankly, I am very disappointed by today’s game (Game 6). Even Game 5 was not extremely high level, but today it was really — for a professional — it was really weak play from both players. It’s a very disappointing level.”He added, “It’s such a strange game. Both players were making mistake after mistake, strategical mistakes. As if they don’t get the sense of the position. Maybe I’m old-school but it’s pretty basic! Of course, they’re both great players and great calculators. They calculate fantastically.“But I expect something a bit more from a world championship match, like ideas! Human play, human concepts! If I want to enjoy chess as just a game of calculation, I would rather watch a world championship of chess engines!”

Ding’s response

Amid the criticism of Gukesh, Ding himself has taken a calm approach after losing the title to Gukesh. “I quite enjoy my current situation. What I mean is, being a player with an inactive rating, who seldom participates in elite invitationals. I’m enjoying this rare moment of leisure,” he recently said in an interview.He added, “I keep up playing the occasional game online: it doesn’t require arduous pre-game preparation, just undivided concentration in the moment. The process itself is rewarding.”

In her message, Sakshi reflected on Pan Singh’s struggles and achievements, showing how much he means to the family. She wrote, “From a young boy who left his village alone with courage… to building a legacy that the whole nation respects – your journey is pure inspiration. The strength behind my Man’s success and because of you he is what he is today. We love you. Happy Birthday.”

Dhoni’s role and ongoing discussions

Meanwhile, discussions around Dhoni’s role in the IPL continue. Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers suggested that Dhoni should bat higher up the order for Chennai Super Kings. He said, “It’s very tricky and not straightforward. Brands are built over years, and CSK have built this empire over many years with this MS Dhoni figure that’s always been there.”He added, “We know he can be impactful with the bat, but if he’s batting that low and not captaining, it feels like he’s almost just making up for a spot for the wrong reasons.“I do feel Ruturaj and Sanju are the perfect players to take over from MS (Dhoni). My only issue is where MS fits in and if he’s not going to have that big impact batting at 4, 5, 6 sometimes, then rather be out of the squad.“Let someone else, that can maybe bowl and bat and have a bigger impact in the game, to come in there and then MS can almost sit on the side as a mentor and still guide the guys.”

Stirling’s own tournament was also cut short after he suffered a knee ligament injury during a match against Australia national cricket team, limiting him to only two games.With Stirling sidelined, wicketkeeper-batter Lorcan Tucker stepped in to captain the team for the remaining matches. The experience highlighted the need to start building a new leadership group for the future.

Stirling’s message and what’s next

Even though he’s stepping down, Stirling made it clear how much leading Ireland meant to him. He said, “It has been a tremendous honour to lead Ireland in this format and something I have been incredibly proud to do.” He added, “Captaining your country is a privilege that carries great responsibility, and I’m very grateful for the trust and support I have received during my time in the role.”He also thanked everyone around the team, saying, “I would like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, and everyone involved with Cricket Ireland for their continued backing, as well as the fans who have supported us throughout.”Ireland will now look to appoint a new T20I captain soon as they begin preparing for the next World Cup cycle.