Anna Muzychuk once refused to enter a chess tournament because it was held in Saudi Arabia (Image: Getty)
Grandmaster chess player Anna Muzychuk refused to compete in Saudi Arabia back in 2017.
As a result, the Ukranian missed out on the opportunity to win the World Fast Chess and Blitz Championships.
The 31-year-old gave a very honest response when explaining her reasons for choosing not to go to the Middle East and compete.
“In a few days, I will lose two world titles, back to back,” Muzychuk wrote on Facebook. “Because I decided not to go to Saudi Arabia.
“I refuse to play by special rules, to wear abaya, to be accompanied by a man so I can leave the hotel, so I don’t feel like a second-class person. I will follow my principles and not compete in the World Fast Chess and Blitz Championship where in just 5 days I could have won more money than dozens of other tournaments combined.
“This is all very nasty but the sad part is no one seems to care. Bitter feelings but can’t go back.” Muzychuk decided not to play in Saudi Arabia due to their stance on women’s rights.”
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The Ukrainian criticized the country’s views on women’s rights (Image: Getty)
She did not take part in the 2017 FIDE World Rapid Championship, which took place in the nation’s capital city of Riyadh. Muzychuk withdrew from the event, which Saudi Arabia paid $1.5 million to host, according to The Guardian.
“Exactly one year ago I won these two titles and was about to be the happiest person in the chess world but this time I feel really bad,” she added. Muzychuk is one of chess’ most impressive players. She is one of just four women to achieve a FIDE rating of at least 2600.
She is a three-time Fast Chess World Champion and the player also claimed victory in the 2014 Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship, as well as the 2014 and 2016 Women’s World Blitz Chess Championship. The closest she came to winning the Women’s World Championship in classical chees was in 2017 in Tehran, when she finished runner-up to Tan Zhongyi.
Muzychuk came closest to winning the Women’s World Chess Championship back in 2017 (Image: Getty)
One of Muzychuk’s most recent tournaments came in November 2023 when she finished second at the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss event. In a tense finish, she was beaten by India’s Rameshbabu Vaishali by a margin of just 10 points.
Muzychuk took to Instagram to post a series of photos from the event, including pictures with the runner-up trophy and during the competition. Her caption read: “Won second place at the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss – the world’s strongest open event. Thanks to the organizers for making our stay on the Isle of Man pleasant and comfortable.” She will be back in action in the 2024 FIDE Women’s Candidates event, which will commence on Apr. 3 in Toronto.
