Koneru Humpy

Indian GM

“You can’t play surrounded by warships guarding Cyprus. If a foreigner like me, and a woman at that, is forced to travel to such an important tournament, how can I play peacefully?

The problem is that FIDE imposes these penalties so that players don’t dare to tell the truth. No, I’m not afraid of that. I don’t play just for money or monetary gain. I simply enjoy the sport.

For the last three months, I’ve been working solely on this tournament. I haven’t even spent enough time with my daughter. So, if a chess player like me misses the tournament, I don’t enjoy missing such an important tournament at all. I’m missing out on a lot.

They could have held the tournament anywhere in the world. Or, if they wanted to hold it in Cyprus, they could have waited until the situation stabilized.

About the other participants… Of course, people can ask questions. For example, 15 players are ready to play, and you’re the only one pointing that out. But that doesn’t mean that if everyone is playing, the organizers are doing the right thing. The event might even proceed without any obstacles. No one knows. But the point is, under the circumstances, it was unnecessary…

I don’t want to talk about anyone else. It’s their wish. Everyone has their own interests and concerns. So, I don’t want to talk about anyone else. It’s my choice and my opinion. And I believe I’m absolutely right.”