NEW DELHI: Chess fans and players have been apprehensive about the upcoming Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, mainly due to concerns about security and basic facilities like electricity. The island’s proximity to tensions in West Asia and recent attacks on nearby military bases have raised concerns about whether it is the right place to host such a large event. Some players have already reacted vigorously. Indian star Koneru Humpy withdrew from the Women’s Candidates, while Hikaru Nakamura questioned the reliability of the power supply.
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Anish Giri Exclusive: FIDE World Championship in Goa, preparation of 2026 candidates, GCL stories and moreDutch number one Anish Giri also took a sarcastic dig at the governing body. After FIDE published a detailed FAQ on the concern, he wrote: “FIDE finally gives an FAQ!” He previously joked: “If they move the candidates, will I at least get a text or something?”The post definitely highlights the frustration of communication.
FIDE responds to security concerns
With criticism mounting, FIDE released a “Cyprus Security and Logistics FAQ” on Tuesday to reassure everyone. On the key issue of security, she said: “Yes. Cyprus is a safe country to travel to,” adding: “There is no emergency and the country is operating normally.” The body also said it is working closely with the authorities and has taken all necessary steps to ensure a safe environment for players, media and guests.
Concerns about power and backup plans
Another major concern raised by US Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura was the possibility of power outages during games. FIDE dismissed these concerns, saying: “No. The risk is extremely low and overestimated.” It explained that outages are rare and short and that the venue has back-up generators to avoid any disruption.To deal with worst-case scenarios, FIDE added: “FIDE has contingency plans in place” to ensure that safety and comfort remain top priorities should the situation change.
