FIDE Confirms Candidates Tournaments in Cyprus Amid Regional Security Concerns

The FIDE Candidates and Women's Candidates chess tournaments are set to proceed in Cyprus from March 28 despite regional tensions following a drone attack on a British air base linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict. FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky confirmed no venue change, citing Cyprus's non-involvement in the war. However, Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy has expressed safety concerns and is considering withdrawing. Other Indian players, including Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali Rameshbabu, and Divya Deshmukh, plan to participate. Veteran Viswanathan Anand supports Cyprus as a suitable host.