Hans Niemann has withdrawn from the Paris leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour occasion, the organisers of the occasion stated late on Saturday evening on their social media handles. No motive was given by both the participant or the organiser. Nodirbek Abdusattarov was named as a alternative for the American grandmaster. The announcement comes barely 48 hours earlier than the beginning of the occasion. 4 Indians — Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi — are anticipated to compete on the occasion.
Niemann had said earlier that he was eagerly trying ahead to enjoying in Paris. “I’m deeply grateful for the chance to compete within the Freestyle Paris version… It doesn’t matter what alternatives come my approach, I’ll proceed to let my chess communicate for itself. Thanks to everybody who has supported me on this journey.”
Niemann has not spoken but concerning the withdrawal.
Niemann’s participation within the occasion in Paris was eagerly anticipated because it pitted him towards former world champion Magnus Carlsen, who had accused him of dishonest in 2022, which had led to a $100 million lawsuit. There may be nonetheless loads of dangerous blood between each gamers.
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High gamers like former world champion and present world no 1 Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana may also be competing on the occasion in Paris. The opposite contenders are: Vincent Keymer, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Richard Rapport (who changed Alireza Firouzja), and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. This would be the first Freestyle Chess Grand Slam to characteristic 12 members.
Pavillon Chesnaie du Roy to host Paris leg
Niemann was given a wildcard invitation from the event organisers.
The Paris occasion of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour will probably be held on the Pavillon Chesnaie du Roy in Paris, nestled within the historic Bois de Vincennes. The occasion will start with a two-day round-robin part, from which eight gamers will advance to the knockout stage. The ultimate six days will see classical time-control matches, intensifying the drama.
That is the second Grand Slam title of the yr within the Freestyle Tour, after the primary occasion in Weissenhaus, the place Germany’s Vincent Keymer had secured victory on house soil.
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The Paris leg has a value pool of $7,50,000 at stake, with the winner assured to stroll away with a whopping $2,00,000.