Candidates Chess: Sindarov Outclasses Praggnanandhaa; Vaishali Takes Sole Lead Javokhir Sindarov delivered a decisive performance against R Praggnanandhaa in the 10th round of the Candidates Chess tournament in Cyprus, capitalizing on the Indian’s critical oversight to secure a significant advantage. The Uzbek player, who had previously missed a winning sequence against Matthias Blubaum of Germany, demonstrated precision and composure in his match against Praggnanandhaa. The turning point came on the 22nd move when Praggnanandhaa played a bishop move that overlooked the imminent threat of Rf7 from Sindarov. This miscalculation allowed Sindarov to seize control of the game, ultimately leading to a position where he held a queen and five pawns against two rooks and two pawns. Experts noted the perplexity of Praggnanandhaa’s delay in playing his 18th move (Qe7), which further complicated his position. Sindarov’s victory marked a pivotal moment in the tournament, as it shifted the momentum in his favor. His good friend Bibisara Assaubayeva, a prominent player in the women’s section, observed the game and later contributed to Vaishali’s rise to the top of the standings. Assaubayeva’s win against joint leader Zhu Jiner of China helped Vaishali claim sole leadership in the women’s category. Vaishali, who had previously struggled under pressure, capitalized on her opportunities, while Praggnanandhaa’s missteps left him trailing in the overall standings. The tournament’s top three players, with four rounds remaining, included Sindarov at 8 points, Anish Giri at 6, and Fabiano Caruana at 5 in the open category. In the women’s section, Vaishali led with 6 points, while Zhu Jiner and Natalia Muzychuk shared 5.5 points.#cyprus #r_praggnanandhaa #javokhir_sindarov #bibisara_assaubayeva #vaishali
FIDE Candidates: Sindarov Maintains Lead as Vaishali Takes Command Javokhir Sindarov continues to dominate the FIDE Candidates tournament after Round 11, where all games concluded in draws. With three rounds remaining, the Uzbek grandmaster holds a two-point lead over his rivals, positioning him strongly for a potential victory and a shot at the world title. In the women’s section, Vaishali Rameshbabu surged ahead by securing a decisive win against Aleksandra Goryachkina, taking a full point advantage and asserting clear control over the competition. The eleventh round’s action unfolded at the Cap St. Georges Hotel & Resort in Cyprus, with the key game featuring Fabiano Caruana and Sindarov. Caruana introduced an unconventional approach by playing 11.Be3 in the Catalan Opening, a move previously experimented with by Nihal Sarin. The Italian grandmaster admitted he had not prepared extensively for the last two games, relying on safe play until facing pressure and winning chances. “We know that Caruana’s preparation runs deep,” remarked commentator Jan Gustafsson during the live broadcast. Co-commentator Peter Svidler noted the move’s intent was to reach a novel position rather than immediately gain an advantage. Sindarov’s defense proved critical, as he returned the pawn at the precise moment, securing a draw that preserved his tournament prospects. Caruana acknowledged the Uzbek’s resilience, stating, “I tried to make an impact in the tournament, but he defended very well.” The other three games also ended in draws, though some players missed opportunities. Hikaru Nakamura and Wei Yi engaged in a solid encounter, with Nakamura opting for a threefold repetition early to avoid a prepared line, a decision he explained in his post-game interview.#cyprus #javokhir_sindarov #vaishali_rameshbabu #fide_candidates #cap_st_georges_hotel_resort
Candidates Chess: Sindarov Leads Charge, Muzychuk Dominates Women's Tournament Javokhir Sindarov, the 20-year-old Uzbekistan prodigy who claimed the World Cup title earlier this year, is now positioned to make history in the Candidates Chess tournament in Cyprus. With five wins, two draws, and six points from seven games, the youngest-ever Candidate has already secured the best score at the halfway mark of the event since the eight-player double round-robin format was introduced in 2013. Sindarov’s commanding performance has positioned him just four wins and three draws away from clinching the title, setting the stage for a potential repeat of his World Cup triumph. The tournament, held in Cyprus, has become a battleground for the world’s top chess talents, with Sindarov’s dominance standing out. His early lead has drawn attention from analysts and fans alike, who are closely monitoring his progress. The Uzbek’s ability to maintain such a high score in a fiercely competitive field underscores his potential to challenge the reigning world champion. However, the path to victory remains fraught with challenges, as the double round-robin format ensures every match carries significant weight. Meanwhile, the women’s Candidates tournament has also seen a dramatic shift in momentum. Anna Muzychuk, the 36-year-old Ukrainian grandmaster, has emerged as the leader after securing a spot in the competition just a week before its start. Her qualification came following the withdrawal of India’s top-ranked player, Humpy Koneru, which opened the door for Muzychuk to step into the spotlight. The highest-ranked Ukrainian GM has started the tournament with a perfect record, remaining undefeated and maintaining a half-point advantage over her rivals. Muzychuk’s ascent has been marked by her resilience and tactical precision.#cyprus #humpy_koneru #anna_muzychuk #javokhir_sindarov #candidates_chess
India Chess Grandmaster Koneru Humpy Withdraws From Candidates Tournament In Cyprus Amid Safety Concerns Indian chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy has confirmed her decision to withdraw from the Candidates tournament in Cyprus, citing safety concerns linked to the ongoing Gulf conflict. The 27-year-old, a two-time World Rapid champion and one of four Indian players set to compete in the event, stated that participating in the tournament amid heightened regional tensions would not be "peaceful." She emphasized that the island's proximity to volatile areas and the presence of military assets made it unsafe for her to travel, particularly as a woman. Humpy’s withdrawal comes after a drone strike on a UK military base in the region raised alarms. She explained that the situation posed significant risks, especially for foreign participants. "You can't play surrounded by warships," she said, referring to the military presence on Cyprus. "If a foreigner like me, and being a woman, has to travel for such an important tournament, how can I play peacefully?" She added that the event’s location, near Lebanon and Israel, further compounded her concerns, noting that the Cyprus president had recently raised issues about the UK base with the European Union. Despite the withdrawal, Humpy stated she is not deterred by potential penalties from the International Chess Federation (FIDE). She dismissed fears that her decision would be financially costly, asserting that she is not playing for monetary gain. "I'm not scared about the penalty," she said. "I'm not playing just for money or monetary benefits. I just enjoy the sport." Humpy revealed she had spent three months preparing for the tournament, sacrificing personal time with her daughter.#india #cyprus #fide #koneru_humpy #candidates_tournament
Koneru Humpy Exclusive after Candidates pull-out: 'Would FIDE hold tournaments in Kashmir?' India’s top-ranked female chess grandmaster, Koneru Humpy, has withdrawn from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, citing a "Level 3" travel advisory and escalating regional tensions. The 38-year-old, ranked fifth in the world, made the decision late on Sunday through a post on X, marking a rare public statement from a high-profile athlete prioritizing personal safety over a chance at a World Championship title. The tournament, scheduled to begin on March 28 at the Cap St Georges Hotel in Pegeia, serves as the sole pathway to the Women’s World Championship match. Humpy’s withdrawal has sparked significant concern for India’s prospects in the competition, as she is the runner-up of the 2025 Women’s World Cup. In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, she explained the mental and logistical challenges of her decision. “It wasn’t an impulsive choice. I spent several days weighing professional commitments, personal safety, and my ability to perform at my best,” she said. She emphasized the difficulty of balancing chess with the heightened uncertainties of the current geopolitical climate. A central focus of her comments was her critique of FIDE’s choice of Cyprus as the tournament venue. Humpy questioned the organization’s decision to proceed with the event amid a Level 3 travel advisory issued by the U.S. and UK, which warns travelers against visiting Cyprus due to regional tensions and recent drone attacks. “I think decisions like this should consider not just logistics but also how players feel,” she argued. She drew a pointed comparison to Jammu & Kashmir, which is also listed as a Level 3 destination, and questioned whether FIDE’s selection of Cyprus was appropriate.#timesofindia_com #jammu_kashmir #cyprus #konneru_humpy #fide
Candidates Chaos: Humpy Koneru Considers Pulling Out Over Iran War Fears FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky downplayed concerns about the safety of the 2026 Candidates tournament in Cyprus, assuring fans that the event would proceed despite recent regional tensions. The organization had previously addressed worries about the war in Iran and its impact on the Mediterranean, noting that the tournament would be closely monitored but unlikely to be affected. However, this confidence was challenged when Humpy Koneru, a prominent Indian women’s chess grandmaster, voiced her hesitations about participating. Koneru, a two-time Women’s World Rapid Champion and former world title challenger, expressed concerns over the escalating conflict in the region. She highlighted the ongoing drone strikes in Cyprus and the broader instability caused by the war between Israel and Lebanon, involving Hezbollah. “I am a bit hesitant to travel because of this,” she said. “If the situation continues like this, I am really doubtful of my participation.” Koneru emphasized the importance of a safe and stable environment for such a high-profile event. “You should be in a position to play the game in a peaceful and good atmosphere,” she stated. “Not surrounded by bomb or missile sirens. You don’t need to be desperate to hold events in such environments.” She questioned the necessity of holding the tournament in Cyprus, given the risks posed by the ongoing conflict. “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?” she asked. The 38-year-old player, who took a break from competitive chess to start a family, returned to the sport with renewed strength. Her concerns reflect broader anxieties among top players about the safety of traveling to the island.#iran_war #cyprus #fide_ceo #emil_sutovsky #humpy_koneru
German entrepreneur offers to host Candidates tournament amid safety concerns Bengaluru: Following reports that Indian chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy may withdraw from the Candidates tournament in Cyprus due to safety concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, German entrepreneur Wadim Rosenstein has proposed hosting the event in Germany. The Candidates tournament, originally scheduled for Cyprus between March 28 and April 16, now faces uncertainty as the situation in the region grows volatile. Rosenstein, a chess enthusiast and founder of WR Group, has expressed his willingness to step in and ensure the tournament proceeds safely. In a statement shared on X, he emphasized the importance of providing a secure environment for all participants. “With Koneru Humpy reportedly considering her participation in the Candidates tour, it becomes even more critical to guarantee a safe and stable setting for all players,” he wrote. He assured Fide of his readiness to host the event, stating that all organizational and logistical costs would be covered by WR Chess. Rosenstein, who runs the WR Masters Chess tournament in his hometown of Dusseldorf, has a history of collaboration with Fide. In 2023, he co-launched the World Rapid Team Championships, a tournament open to clubs worldwide and featuring both Grandmasters and amateur players. The inaugural edition was won by his team, WR Chess, and the event later expanded to include a blitz format, becoming the World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships. Magnus Carlsen, the world No. 1, is expected to return as part of the WR Chess team this year. The Candidates tournament, which is set to begin just days after the proposed relocation, remains a pivotal event in the chess calendar.#cyprus #konneru_humpy #wadim_rosenstein #wr_group #fide
UK, France Send Warships, Air Defence Assets to Cyprus After Drone Attack The United Kingdom and France have deployed military assets to Cyprus following an Iranian-made drone attack on a British military base in the region. The UK announced the dispatch of the HMS Dragon, a Type-45 air defence destroyer, along with two Wildcat helicopters, to bolster drone defence capabilities for Cyprus. The move comes amid heightened tensions over recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Tehran. The HMS Dragon, equipped with a Sea Viper missile system capable of launching eight missiles in under 10 seconds and guiding up to 16 simultaneously, was sent to the eastern Mediterranean. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the country’s commitment to Cyprus’s security in a social media post, stating, “We will always act in the interest of the UK and our allies.” France followed suit, ordering its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, to move from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean. The carrier will be accompanied by its air wing, escorting frigates, and additional air defence systems. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the deployment of Rafale fighter jets and airborne radar systems in the Middle East, citing the recent drone strike on the RAF base in Akrotiri as a key factor. He also mentioned the arrival of the French frigate Languedoc near Cyprus. The drone attack on the RAF base in Akrotiri, southwest of Limassol, caused minor damage when the Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into the facility. Cyprus’s president, Nikos Christodoulides, confirmed the incident, while local reports described the evacuation of about 1,000 residents due to emergency procedures.#iran #france #uk #keir_starmer #cyprus
Guernsey cancel Cyprus games after military action Guernsey's planned cricket series against Cyprus has been canceled following recent military tensions in the Middle East. The island nation was set to host a T20 tri-series against Austria and Cyprus from 12-16 March at the Happy Valley Ground in Akrotiri, a UK-administered sovereign base area. However, the event was called off after Iranian drones targeted the base, prompting security upgrades. The UK has deployed the Royal Navy warship HMS Dragon to reinforce the area's defenses. The matches were intended as warm-up games for Guernsey's upcoming qualifiers for the 2028 T20 World Cup. Richard Headington, Guernsey Cricket's chief operating officer, confirmed the cancellation, stating, "Unfortunately due to the situation in that part of the world we've made the decision to cancel." He noted the event would have provided valuable preparation for the senior men's World Cup qualifiers in May, allowing players to familiarize themselves with the venue and opponents. Guernsey is scheduled to compete in the 10-team Europe Sub-regional Qualifier A in Cyprus from 16-23 May, where they will face hosts Cyprus and Channel Island rivals Jersey. The winner of the qualifier will advance to the final stage of European competition for the 2028 World Cup. In the interim, Guernsey will arrange warm-up matches with county academy teams during Easter before traveling to Cyprus for the tournament.#cyprus #guernsey #happy_valley_ground #hms_dragon #royal_navy
Cyprus Evacuates Residents Amid Drone Attacks on RAF Base Residents of Cyprus have been evacuated from the village of Akrotiri following a drone attack on a British RAF facility. Local officials confirmed that nearly all villagers have left the area, with only about 20 people remaining due to refusal to depart. Deputy mayor Giorgos Konstantinos described the evacuation as a "mass exodus" driven by fear and the threat posed by the attack. Police forces have been deployed around the RAF base, and non-essential personnel have been relocated to safer areas within the sovereign base areas, a remnant of colonial rule. The drone strike, which occurred on Sunday, has raised questions about its origin. While it is unclear whether the unmanned vehicles were launched from Iran or operated by Iranian proxy forces in Lebanon, two additional drones were intercepted earlier on Monday. The attack has intensified tensions in the region, with further strikes and evacuations reported. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump made unsubstantiated claims on his Truth Social platform, asserting that Iran would have possessed a nuclear bomb by 2022 if the Iran nuclear deal had not been terminated. He accused former President Barack Obama and current President Joe Biden of enabling Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had previously confirmed Iran’s compliance with the JCPOA, which restricted uranium enrichment, until the U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018. The U.S. State Department has issued an urgent warning for American citizens to leave over a dozen Middle Eastern countries amid escalating conflict.#iran #cyprus #akrotiri #raf_base #giorgos_konstantinos
