GM Kateryna Lagno (2515) has withdrawn from the upcoming FIDE Women’s Grand Prix in India, citing disagreement with a beauty prize decision at the Monaco stage of the series. In an open letter to FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Lagno expressed disappointment that her game against GM Elisabeth Paehtz was not selected for the most beautiful game award.

GM Kateryna Lagno

GM Kateryna Lagno

Much to my shock and disappointment it was awarded to the game Kosteniuk-Tan Zhongyi… Yes, Aleksandra played fine, but it was spectacular only in a sense that black (Tan Zhongyi) made a completely unsound sacrifice… I can’t view their decision other than politically biased. The prize just ‘couldn’t’ go to [a] Russian player

Paehtz, who lost the game to Lagno, offered a different perspective:

GM Elisabeth Pähtz

GM Elisabeth Pähtz

What here may be interesting as facts itself, is, that Lagno has no ties to Monaco. Kosteniuk is not only a member of the Monaco chess club; but won many events in Monaco. She is the glory of Monaco chess for decades. Yet to me it looks still like a quick random choice of two games. I am sure it’s not political, but rather typical ignorance for details. Besides the organizer of Monaco voted for Katja!!!

The India stage of the Women’s Grand Prix begins April 14 in Pune, forming part of the women’s world championship qualification cycle.Lagno’s withdrawal is unlikely to affect her chances for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, as she ranked 13th in the Grand Prix standings after the Nicosia stage with 105 points, well behind leader GM Aleksandra Goryachkina’s 308.34 points.

Photo by: Niki Riga/FIDE