Candidates Chess Tournaments in Cyprus Proceed Amid Regional Tensions and Safety Concerns

The Candidates chess tournaments, scheduled from March 28 to April 16 in Cyprus, remain planned despite regional tensions following a drone strike on a British airbase linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict. FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky confirmed preparations continue, emphasizing Cyprus is not directly involved in the conflict. However, Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy expressed safety concerns and is likely to withdraw, citing ongoing hostilities and travel risks near West Asia. Other Indian players are set to participate as scheduled.