How it unfolded
As the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament approached, scheduled to take place from March 28 to April 16, 2026, in Cyprus, concerns about safety began to surface. The backdrop of regional tensions and a recent drone attack near the tournament venue heightened apprehensions among participants. On March 28, just before the tournament commenced, Koneru Humpy made the significant decision to withdraw, citing personal safety and well-being as paramount.
Humpy’s withdrawal was confirmed by FIDE, the international chess federation, which stated that Anna Muzychuk would replace her in the tournament. Humpy, who had qualified for this prestigious event by finishing as the runner-up at the 2025 Women’s World Cup, expressed her sentiments clearly: “No event, no matter how important, can come before personal safety and well-being.” This statement underscores the gravity of her decision amid rising tensions.
The Cyprus Chess Federation President, Criton Tornaritis, voiced his disappointment regarding Humpy’s withdrawal, criticizing her comments about safety in Cyprus. He stated, “As President of the Cyprus Chess Federation, I am sincerely disappointed by Koneru Humpy’s decision to withdraw, citing that Cyprus ‘is not safe.’” Tornaritis’s remarks reflect the federation’s commitment to hosting the tournament and the challenges posed by Humpy’s concerns.
FIDE has been actively monitoring the situation in Cyprus, yet they did not favor shifting the tournament location despite the safety issues raised. The organization is aware of the potential penalties for players who withdraw without satisfactory reasons, which can amount to fines of up to 10,000 euros. Humpy’s decision marks her as the only high-profile player to publicly express such concerns about the tournament’s location.
Hikaru Nakamura, another prominent figure in the chess community, also raised issues regarding the reliability of power in parts of Cyprus, stating, “It’s not a good sign when power goes out completely in parts of Cyprus and doesn’t come back for an extended period of time.” This further complicates the environment surrounding the tournament, as logistical challenges could impact players’ performances.
As the tournament begins without Humpy, the implications of her absence remain uncertain. The FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament is a major event and the only route to the Women’s World Championship match, making Humpy’s withdrawal a significant loss for the competition. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential penalties Humpy may face and how her absence will affect the dynamics of the tournament.
The situation reflects broader concerns about player safety in competitive environments, particularly in regions experiencing instability. Humpy’s decision to prioritize her well-being over participation in a prestigious tournament resonates with many athletes who face similar dilemmas. As the chess community watches closely, the unfolding events in Cyprus will likely influence future tournament planning and player participation.
