Despite the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Denis Chismatullin, a supporter of Vladimir Putin’s regime, was allowed to participate in the World Rapid Chess Championship. Ahead of their match, Jan-Krzysztof Duda declined to shake hands with the Russian chess player.
The chess community took notice of the Polish Grandmaster’s gesture during the World Championship in Samarkand. Jan-Krzysztof Duda chose not to shake his hand with Denis Chismatullin before their match, making a statement against the Russian player.
Wszystko zostało uwiecznione na kamerach: pic.twitter.com/u3CJ8QqmQN
— 🦍 (@skwr00) January 2, 2024
International Chess Federation (FIDE) permitted Chismatullin to compete under a neutral flag, despite his open support for the Russian aggression in Ukraine. FIDE clarified that it did not verify the statements of chess players and did not find grounds to disqualify Chismatullin.
Duda concluded the championship in the 10th position. The victory went to Magnus Carlsen of Norway, claiming his seventh world title.