India, Dec. 19 -- Viswanathan Anand backed the introduction of the Total World Championship Tour, which will also see the participation of Magnus Carlsen. The tournament is Norway Chess' idea, and has received official approval from FIDE.

The winner of the championship will be called the Total Champion, and the events will be held across fast classic, rapid, and blitz formats.

Speaking to the Times of India, Anand said, "It's a pleasure to work with Norway Chess - they have a serious long-term proposal. And like I keep saying, the sport benefits when Carlsen competes."

The tour will name an entirely new FIDE World Combined Champion across three time controls. The 'fast classical' format will feature a 45-minute time control with a 30-s...