KOMPAS.com – Two Indonesian female chess players, WGM Irene Kharisma Sukandar and WGM Medina Warda Aulia, officially withdraw from the 2021 Chess World Cup in Russia after three members of the contingent were exposed to Covid-19.
Positive cases that hit the Indonesian contingent hit the Head of Delegation Kristianus Liem, GM Susanto Megaranto, and IM Mohamad Ervan.
Irene and Medina then decided to withdraw from the tournament which was held in Sochi, Russia, in order to prevent the risk of further transmission.
“The two Indonesian Women’s World Cup players, Medina Warda Aulia and Irene Sukandar feel good and have negative tests,” wrote FIDE (World Chess Mother) statement via Twitter account, Friday (16/7/2021) night WIB.
Also read: WGM Irene’s Mental Formation Process, Comes to Chess in the Market
“However, in order not to jeopardize the safety of other players, together with the agreement of the organization they have decided to withdraw from the second game of the second half.”
“As a result, their opponents, Harika Dronavalli and Valentina Gunina, will immediately advance to the third round,” FIDE said in a statement.
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According to Chess.com, Irene Sukandar and Medina Warda Aulia decided to resign after the positive test results of two Indonesian male chess players and contingent leader Kristianus Liem.
Previously, Chess.com reported that GM Susanto Megaranto and IM Mohamad Ervan had to withdraw from the Chess World Cup due to Covid-19.
Both Indonesian Women’s World Cup players, Medina Warda Aulia and @irene_sukandar, are feeling well and have had negative testing. #FIDEWorldCup pic.twitter.com/S9L5rdBNsI
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) July 16, 2021
IM Mohamad Ervan got bad news first and had to lose his match against GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the first round.
IM Ervan could not continue the match in the first round because he did not pass the Covid-19 test conducted by the committee before the second match in the first round.
Meanwhile, GM Susanto Megaranto had to be declared defeated while competing against GM Fabiano Caruana (United States) in the first match of the second round.
Officials from FIDE said Susanto’s test results came while he was playing a match.
In that match, GM Susanto was seen wearing a mask while his opponent was not. Tournament rules require all participants to wear masks in all public areas but not during matches.
The best Indonesian male chess player was also asked to leave the match venue and was declared defeated.
This makes Caruana also have to undergo self-quarantine in her hotel room even though she does not show symptoms.
Also read: Dewa Fan Game Breaks Audience Record, GM Susanto Megaranto Voices
Meanwhile, WGM Irene Sukandar has spoken about her condition with Medina, who recently tested positive for Covid-19.
Irene hopes that FIDE can provide the best support for the Indonesian delegation who is positive for the corona virus.
“Dear all, we would like to announce that Medina and I have decided to withdraw from the World Cup,” wrote Irena via her personal Twitter account.
“We are actually very motivated to keep competing, but the safety of all participants, organizers, and other parties around is far more important than our personal interests.”
Dear all,we’d like to announce that both Medina and I have decided to withdraw from the World Cup.We are naturally very motivated to keep competing but the safety of all the participants,organisers,arbiters and every one around us is far more important than our personal interest.
— Irene Sukandar (@irene_sukandar) July 16, 2021
“I want to thank FIDE for doing everything they can to ensure that we can continue to compete, and all the fans and friends who have given us support.”
“Both Medina and I tested negative for Covid-19, but rest assured that we will continue to be vigilant and take all precautions to reduce the risk of infection.”
“Please also show your support for the recovery of the rest of the Indonesian delegation who tested positive.”
“Both Megaranto and Ervan are also disappointed, but they are grateful for all your support. We will do everything we can to return home safely,” Irene said in a statement.
“Thank you to all of you.”
Apart from the Indonesian contingent, two-time world chess champion Levon Aronian did not even attend his first match against GM Bobby Cheng.
The Armenian GM suffered from fever symptoms earlier this week. Although he felt better on Thursday, he decided to withdraw so as not to threaten the health of the other participants.
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