Humpy Pulls Out, Hikaru Has Concerns: It's Not Looking Good For The Candidates

After weeks of uncertainty, it finally happened: a player has pulled out of the upcoming FIDE Candidates tournament over safety fears following the outbreak of war in Iran.

FIDE, the world governing body of chess and the tournament organiser, confirmed on Sunday night that Indian GM Humpy Koneru is officially out of the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament.

GM Anna Muzychuk, of Ukraine, will join the tournament as her replacement having been the next highest finisher in the Women’s Events Series 2024–25.

However, Koneru is a highly-respected figure in women's chess. Her absence will be felt.

The 38-year-old a two-time Women's World Rapid Champion and former women's world title challenger, was the first to break rank over concerns about the tournament's proximity to the violence in the region.

In comments that spread panic among tournament organisers last week, Koneru told Indian media: "I am not sure (if I will play at the Candidates). It depends upon the situation."

Over the weekend she confirmed her position, posting on X:

Intriguingly, Koneru's stance has been picked up by Wadim Rosenstein, the tech billionaire behind the series of WR chess events.

Rosenstein offered to host the Candidates in Germany, the country of his residency, for free.

What is Rosenstein up to? Could this be an early sign he's planning to be more involved in FIDE?

Here's what the chess benefactor had to say:

Meanwhile, a poker event, the WSOP Super Circuit Cyprus, which was scheduled to take place from April 25 to May 11, has been cancelled.

The organisers said the decision was taken because of the ongoing uncertainties in the region and concerns about the safety of players and staff.

So far, no player has pulled out of the Open Candidates tournament, but GM Hikaru Nakamura, the superstar streamer and one of the pre-tournament favourites, has flagged his concern about holding the event in Cyprus.

The world number-two, who is believed to have set up his pre-event camp on the island for the last two months, said regular power cuts he's experienced are not a good sign for the tournament.

FIDE has so far stood firm: the official line remains that the Candidates will go ahead in Cyprus from March 28 to April 16.

CEO Emil Sutovsky has stated that there are no plans to change the venue before Round 1 on March 29.

Speaking to ChessBase India, Sutovsky said: "Our plans have not changed. We are in the final stages of preparing the Candidates' Tournament. Of course, we are monitoring the situation. Cyprus is not too far from, let’s say, the war zone or conflict zone, but at the same time, it is not directly involved in any way and is not in a state of war."

The Cyprus Chess Federation president, Kriton Tornaritis, said the island is prepared.

"Hosting events of this level comes with responsibility," he said. "Safety is paramount, and we are committed to ensuring players can compete without risk."

With the situation in Iran and the surrounding region on a knife-edge, anything can happen. But Koneru's right, safety must come first.