Humpy shared her decision in a social media statement on Sunday, emphasizing that personal safety is more important than competitive commitments. \u201cAfter deep reflection, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women\u2019s 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,\u201d she wrote on X.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The tournament will take place in Cyprus, which has recently faced increased security issues. Earlier this month, a British air base on the island was hit in a drone attack. This incident raised concerns about the impact of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has been fueled by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, spreading into the region.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
According to FIDE regulations, if there is a vacancy in the Women\u2019s Candidates field, the next eligible player from the FIDE Women\u2019s Events 2024\u201325 cycle will fill it. Based on this rule, Ukraine\u2019s Anna Muzychuk will replace Humpy in the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Women\u2019s Candidates, starting March 28 in Paphos, will determine the challenger for the world championship title currently held by China\u2019s Ju Wenjun. Meanwhile, the men\u2019s title is held by India\u2019s D Gukesh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier, American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura has expressed serious concerns about the playing conditions in Cyprus before the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which starts in just a week.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Women\u2019s Candidates, starting March 28 in Paphos, will determine the challenger for the world championship title currently held by China\u2019s Ju Wenjun. Meanwhile, the men\u2019s title is held by India\u2019s D Gukesh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a good sign when power goes out completely in parts of Cyprus and doesn\u2019t come back for an extended period of time,\u201d Nakamura posted on his social media account on X.<\/p>\r\n\r\n