President of the Cyprus Chess Federation Criton Tornaritis commented on Indian GM Koneru Humpy’s withdrawal from the Candidates Tournament 2026 in an X post. Tornaritis describes Humpy’s actions as disrespectful to the sport, and notes his disappointment with her decision.

Criton Tornaritis

Criton Tornaritis

President of the Cyprus Chess Federation

“As President of the Cyprus Chess Federation, I am sincerely disappointed by Koneru Humpy’s decision to withdraw, citing that Cyprus is ‘not safe’.

The 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament is one of the largest and most important chess events in the world… This is simply wrong.

Spreading unfounded concerns harms the sport and shows a lack of respect for the organizers and the players involved. At the highest level of chess, decisions are based on calculation and facts, not fear or misinformation.

It was a bad move.”

The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 will take place from March 28 to April 16 at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus. Indian GM Koneru Humpy (2535) withdrew from the tournament on March 22, Ukrainian GM Anna Muzychuk (2522) will play instead. Public concerns about holding the tournament appeared following the start of the US-Israel war with Iran on February 28.

Credit: Mark Livshitz