Humpy Koneru Withdraws from Candidates Chess 2026, Questions FIDE on Cyprus Safety
The highly anticipated Candidates Chess 2026 tournament in Paphos, Cyprus, is already facing significant challenges before its official start this week. Beyond the intense competition for a challenger's spot, concerns are mounting over the smooth operation and safety of the event.
Prominent Indian chess grandmaster Humpy Koneru has announced her withdrawal from the women's section of the tournament, citing a lack of personal safety. In a striking statement, Koneru commented, "If FIDE deems Cyprus suitable for the Candidates tournament, then they should also consider holding events in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir."
Her decision comes amidst reports of other event cancellations in Cyprus. American chess star Hikaru Nakamura, a participant in the open section, echoed these concerns, stating, "It’s not a good sign when power goes out completely in parts of Cyprus and doesn’t come back for an extended period of time." His remarks suggest an understanding of and indirect support for Koneru's apprehensions regarding the tournament location.
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The **Candidates Chess Tournament 2026** is set to take place in **Paphos, Cyprus**, from **March 28th to April 16th, 2026**. This prestigious event will feature eight top players competing in a double round-robin format, meaning each participant will face every other opponent twice, totaling