Magnus Carlsen returns as Global Chess League begins in Bengaluru

Magnus Carlsen is back with Alpine APL Pipers as the Global Chess League opens in Bengaluru on Saturday, beginning a nine-day run of team chess featuring six sides and 32 matches.

The opening day starts with PBG Alaskan Knights against FYERS American Gambits. Triveni Continental Kings then play Ganges Grandmasters, followed by CheQ Mumba Masters versus the defending champions. The teams will meet in a double round-robin format, with the top two reaching the Grand Finale on September 13.

Carlsen returns after sitting out last season, when the Pipers won the title. His side also includes Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy, Anish Giri and Vidit Gujrathi. Anand has moved from Ganges Grandmasters to Alaskan Knights, where he will play alongside Arjun Erigaisi and 15-year-old Turkish grandmaster Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus.

Spectators at the venue will be able to follow matches and analysis on a big screen with personalised commentary headsets. The league will also offer Hindi commentary for viewers watching online.