Nodirbek Yakubboev’s “Namaste” gesture by India’s Harika Dronavali (Photo: ChessBase India) NEW DELHI: A light and heartwarming moment caught the eye at the Grenke Freestyle Open when Grandmaster (GM) Harika Dronavali extended her hand in resignation, but Uzbekistan GM Nodirbek Yakubboev responded with a polite ‘Namaste’ instead. Both players smiled and left, making it a memorable and respectful exchange.Watch:In Karlsruhe, where Vincent Keymer and Hans Niemann lead with a perfect score of 5/5, the race itself. Next they will face off in a key match. Just behind them is a strong group including world number one Magnus Carlsen, keeping the competition busy.Interestingly, Daniel Hausrath, who is far below globally, surprisingly remains among the best players. With thousands of participants and a large prize pool, the tournament is one of the biggest in the world and the upcoming rounds are expected to shake up the rankings.This is not the first time that Yakubboev has avoided a handshake. Earlier, during last year’s match against R Vaishali in the Wijk Aan Zee Challengers section, he did the same, leading to confusion. He later reunited with her with flowers and chocolates to apologize.“I’m sorry, what happened? It was an unpleasant situation for both of us. I was in a hurry that day. It looks like some misunderstanding. And I want to wish you both good luck in the remaining games. I just want to say. I respect you and your brother both. Both of you and all Indian chess players,” said Jakubboev.Vaishali replied kindly, “No, it’s clearly understandable. I didn’t take it that way, so we didn’t have to feel bad. You actually apologized. It’s perfectly fine. You don’t have to worry about it.”Yakubboev later explained that it was for “religious reasons”, adding: “I want to explain the situation… I don’t touch other women for religious reasons.” Emphasizing respect, he said, “I respect Vaishali and her brother as the strongest chess players in India. If I offended her with my behavior, I apologize,” clarifying, “I do what I need to do… It’s their business to do.”
