CHENNAI: With time running out and reigning world champion
Magnus Carlsen in no mood to relent,
Fide has chosen to extend the olive branch.
The Nordic prodigy has now been given time until September 7 to furnish his consent for the World Championship rematch against
Viswanathan Anand in November.
The original deadline for signing the contract was August 31. There is a possibility that in the instance of Carlsen not agreeing to play in Sochi, Fide could even go as far as stripping him of his world title.
Carlsen is currently participating in the Sinquefield Cup in St Louis, USA that runs until September 7 and does not want to be pressurised to sign the contract midway through the event.
"It's important for Magnus to focus on the ongoing tournament," his manager
Espen Agdestein said.