I had no option other than pulling out of Candidates: Humpy

India’s top player Koneru Humpy said that she didn’t have an option to explore for competing in the FIDE Women’s Candidates tournament, scheduled in Cyprus from Saturday.

Having made the decision to pull out from the eight-player event on Sunday, Humpy stressed that she had no choice but to do so. “After having prepared so hard for the tournament, it was a tough call. I didn’t have a choice, I had to withdraw,” Humpy, who had safety concerns in the wake of the situation in West Asia given Cyprus’ proximity to the conflict zone, told The Hindu on Monday.

“If it was held in some safe country, why would I do that (withdraw)?” the Grandmaster asked, adding that the FIDE could have postponed the tournament.

Humpy is unfazed about the possibility of being penalised for choosing not to play in the marquee competition. “I am not worried about fines…they don’t stop me from speaking out or expressing what I feel,” Humpy didn’t mince words.

She said that it wouldn’t be “pleasant” to play an event in West Asia when there is so much happening there. “Many sporting events are getting cancelled. A poker tournament which was supposed to be held in Cyprus from April 25 has been cancelled. So, it makes sense to postpone it (Candidates). Or if you want to hold it on the exact dates, you have to shift to another country.

“The FIDE is the only body which is hosting a tournament now. They are saying that it is safe, that is the problem,” Humpy said. “Actually, I took time so that I could make the right decision because I know it’s a very important tournament. But at the end of the day, it’s important to take care of my family first.”