Magnus Carlsen

Following his return from Nice, Magnus has stayed at home for 3 weeks going to school etc.
As opposed to last year he did not participate in the recently finished Gausdal Classics (A-group won in style by Kaidanov), while the rest of the family spent at least some days up at Gausdal and his sisters Ellen and Ingrid (as well as your truly) participated in the Elo-group.  

While the top 4 players in the world have decided against playing the Grand-Prix series 2008-2009 for various reasons, most of the remaining top 20 are in. The Baku 14-man field constitute a strong category 19 tournament, and with 2 rest days only and "Sofia" rules, it's going to be a tough and demanding tournament. 

Participants for this first Grand Prix tournament are Magnus Carlsen (2765), Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (2752), Teimour Radjabov (2751), Peter Svidler (2746), Sergey Karjakin (2732), Michael Adams (2729), Gata Kamsky (2726), Alexander Grischuk (2716), Etienne Bacrot (2705), Ivan Cheparinov (2695), Wang Yue (2689), Ernesto Inarkiev (2684), Vugar Gashimov (2679) and David Navara (2672). 

As World ranked 5 on April 1^st 2008, Magnus is top ranked in Baku, and without Aronian present, there is a small step down to 2^nd and 3^rd rated  Mamedyarov and Radjabov.
The whole field is tight and bearing in mind the effect of typical performance variability, all participants are possible winners not only in theory.
It would be surprising though if one of the below 2700 emerge victorious. 

Magnus is quite pleased to be top ranked as it represents a factual recognition of his Corus and Linares successes this year, although the ranking among the top 7-8 players cannot be taken as a significant indication of a difference in odds of winning in Baku. 

With his tight program of playing and travelling, Magnus chooses to travel to Baku on the 19^th (arriving 20^th in the early morning local time), although this might be a bit risky taking into account the 15 hours travel and 3 hours time difference and I've noticed that for instance Kamsky arrived in Baku several days ago. 

It'll be the first time for Magnus (and myself) in Azerbaijan but based on our pleasant experience with Azeri players, coaches and arbiters it'll surely be a great experience! 

Henrik Carlsen
Vienna, April 19th 2008.