Emil Šutovský spoke out against the frenzy and virtue signaling that followed the death of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky on social media (Images via X/@EmilSutovsky) The Director General of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Emil Šutovský, on Wednesday called former world champion Vladimir Kramnik’s comments to American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky “appalling and downright shameful”, while at the same time raising concerns about the support the young player received during his life.Naroditsky, 29, died in North Carolina after reportedly battling psychological problems. He stepped down from online chess commentary following unfounded allegations of cheating by Kramnik a few months ago. The exact cause of death has not been released by the family.Sutovsky expressed dismay at the posthumous outpouring of praise for Naroditsky, writing on X: “The amount of love given posthumously to Danya is unprecedented… But here’s the problem – where were you all when Danya was alive and unwell?”While condemning Kramnikov’s allegations, Sutovsky acknowledged the challenges Naroditsky faced as a result of the allegations. “One thing is clear: the way Kramnik is approaching this is simply unacceptable. And his response to Danya’s death is appalling and downright shameful. FIDE is not a court, but we will act within our jurisdiction,” he said.
Emil Šutovský on X
Emil Šutovský on X (… continued)
The head of FIDE also reflected on the Grand Master matches in recent months. “Danya was clearly not at his best… He stopped appearing as a commentator for one reason or another, he was not his usual self,” Šutovský added.He went on to question those who claimed to be close to Naroditsky, asking, “Now, all those who claim how dear Danya was to their hearts… where have you been? What have you been doing? All these Kramnik attacks on Danya didn’t happen this week or month… So I ask you, Danya’s supposed friends, what did you do to help him for half a year or so?”
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Top players, including world number one Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura and India’s CEO Nihal Sarin, expressed concern about the pressure Naroditsky faced. Sarin noted that the “baseless accusations and public hearings … caused him immense pressure and pain”, while Carlsen acknowledged that Naroditsky was not in a “great space” after the verbal attacks.Sutovsky concluded by noting the young player’s isolation, saying, “There was less and less luster left for the boy with the glowing eyes. And now he’s gone. Too soon… Virtue-signaling and virtue-grabbing is the worst way to pay respect to Danya.”
