Anand Withdraws from Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Amidst FIDE Controversy

Tensions between FIDE and Freestyle Chess have escalated, primarily over the latter’s claim that its tour winner should be recognised as a world champion.

The highly anticipated clash between five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand and his protégé Gukesh at the upcoming Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour will no longer take place, as Anand has withdrawn from the event.

While no official reason has been provided for his withdrawal, it comes amidst an ongoing conflict between FIDE and the organisers of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, along with Magnus Carlsen. Anand, who currently serves as Deputy President of FIDE, was initially listed among the 10 players set to compete in the season-opening event at the Weissenhaus Private Nature Luxury Resort in Germany. Both Gukesh and Carlsen remain in the lineup.

A statement on the Freestyle Chess website confirmed Anand’s withdrawal but did not elaborate on the reasons: “…Viswanathan Anand withdrew on short notice.”

Javokhir Sindarov, a 19-year-old Uzbek prodigy, will replace Anand in the tournament. Sindarov had finished as the runner-up in the online qualifier, losing to Vladimir Fedoseev. He was informed of the opportunity while vacationing with his family in Dubai. “On Friday morning, I received a WhatsApp message confirming that I would be playing. Everyone was thrilled,” Sindarov told Freestyle Chess.

In recent weeks, tensions between FIDE and Freestyle Chess have escalated, primarily over the latter’s claim that its tour winner should be recognised as a world champion.

The organisers have also alleged that FIDE demanded $500,000 annually to sanction the event. Meanwhile, top players like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura have accused FIDE of attempting to pressure them into withdrawing from the tournament. The controversy continues to unfold as the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour gets underway.

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