Humpy Koneru exits the Women Candidates Chess 2026
Humpy Koneru withdrew from the Candidates Chess 2026 in Cyprus over Iran-Israel-USA war safety concerns. Earlier this week she stated for HT, “It just doesn’t make any sense. It’s dangerous to travel anywhere near West Asia at this point when there’s so much tension and uncertainty. The war started around a fortnight ago, it’s still ongoing and the tournament is less than two weeks away. I don’t think any official body would dare host an event in the region at this point.”
Humpy Koneru made her final decision today, “After deep reflection, I have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. No event, no matter how important, can come before personal safety and well-being. Despite the assurances provided, I do not feel fully secure under the current circumstances. This is a painful but necessary decision, and I stand by it.”