Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy expressed safety concerns regarding the upcoming Candidates Tournament in Cyprus due to the West Asia conflict, leaving her participation undecided.

Koneru Humpy is considering withdrawing from the FIDE Candidates Tournament in Cyprus due to safety concerns linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The Candidates Tournament, where players will compete for the right to challenge World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh, is set to begin in Cyprus at the end of March.

Despite concerns over Koneru Humpy potentially withdrawing from the Cyprus Candidates tournament due to regional tensions, India's rising chess stars Divya Deshmukh, R Vaishali, and R Praggnanandhaa are confirmed to participate. Their teams are actively planning travel and preparations, signaling their commitment to the prestigious event as the gateway to the World Championship.

In spring 2026, the world’s chess elite will gather on the west coast of Cyprus. From 28 March to 16 April, the Cap St Georges Hotel resort near Paphos will host the men’s and women’s Candidates Tournaments. This is the culmination of the road to the World Championship matches. The prize fund for the competition […]

In spring 2026, the world’s chess elite will gather on the west coast of Cyprus. From 28 March to 16 April, the Cap St Georges Hotel resort near Paphos will host the men’s and women’s Candidates Tournaments. This is the culmination of the road to the World Championship matches. The prize fund for the competition […]