FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament hit by Humpy exit, Muzychuk named replacement

In a significant development ahead of the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has withdrawn from the prestigious event, citing personal safety concerns amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. The tournament, scheduled to begin on March 28 in Paphos, Cyprus, will now see Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk stepping in as her replacement.

Humpy, a two-time Women’s World Rapid Champion , was considered one of India’s strongest contenders for the title that determines the challenger to reigning women’s world champion Ju Wenjun. However, despite repeated assurances from the global chess body FIDE, she chose to prioritise safety over competition.

“ No event, no matter how important, can come before personal safety and well-being ,” Humpy stated, adding that she did not feel fully secure given the current geopolitical tensions. Her concerns follow reports of a recent drone attack on a British air base in Cyprus , raising fears about the region’s stability due to its proximity to the conflict zone.

In accordance with tournament regulations, FIDE offered her spot to the next eligible player, leading to Muzychuk’s inclusion. A former Women’s World Rapid (2016) and Blitz Champion (2014, 2016) , Muzychuk is a seasoned competitor and former world championship finalist, making her a formidable addition to the field.

Humpy’s withdrawal is seen as a setback for India, which still has a strong presence in the tournament. Rising stars like R Praggnanandhaa, R Vaishali, and Divya Deshmukh are set to represent the country across sections.

The situation has also sparked broader concerns, with American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura flagging issues such as power outages in Cyprus, despite organisers maintaining that the venue remains safe.

As tensions in West Asia continue to escalate, the focus has shifted beyond the chessboard, highlighting how global conflicts can directly impact even the world’s most elite sporting events.