Candidates Chaos: Humpy Koneru Considers Pulling Out Over Iran War Fears
The moment FIDE brushed off concerns and said everything was OK, it had to happen.
On Monday we reported on how FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky was reassuring fans that the fast-approaching 2026 Candidates tournament in Cyprus was sure to go ahead.
The war in Iran, and the chaos it has spread across the region, will be monitored but it is unlikely to affect the flagship event we've all been waiting for, Sutovsky indicated. Even though the island had been hit by a drone strike.
That may turn out to be true. Or it may not. But what really matters is what the players taking part are thinking right now. Until Monday, none of the competitors had spoken out so Sutovsky seemed on firm ground.
But then the legend of Indian women's chess GM Humpy Koneru, a two-time Women's World Rapid Champion and former women's world title challenger, broke rank.
In comments that will rock tournament organisers, Koneru told Indian media: "I am not sure (if I will play at the Candidates). It depends upon the situation.
"Right now, I am a bit concerned about safety with the drone attacks and warships deployed (in the Mediterranean Sea) coming into the picture. And very recently, there has been bombing happening between Israel and Lebanon because of Hezbollah.
"So I am a bit hesitant to travel because of this. If the situation continues like this, I am really doubtful of my participation."
She added: "At the end of the day, you should be in a position to play the game in a peaceful and good atmosphere. Not surrounded by bomb or missile sirens.
"I think that should not be the stage for a world-class tournament. You don’t need to be desperate to hold events in such environments.
"Definitely, there is tension on the island. Of course, the whole event might go on without any further escalation. Nobody knows what will happen, right? But we do know that there is a risk.
"My point was that when there is a 10 or 20 per cent risk in playing in Cyprus, what was the necessity to hold the event in that place? When the war started, they already got a sign about what was going on.
"Intentionally, you should not walk into (a dangerous situation). If you know there might be some chances, you will just try to avoid it."
Koneru is a 38-year-old veteran who took a break from the sport to become a mother and returned as strong as ever. She's a woman who has built up an enormous amount of respect in the game and yet she is concerned.
She is among a strong Indian contingent that includes GMs Divya Deshmukh and Vaishali Rameshbabu in the Women's and GM Praggnanandhaa R in the Open.
Will they, or any of the other top stars due to travel to Cyprus, follow Koneru's lead? The next few days could get interesting.