As per the protocol of the World Governing Body, RT-PCR Tests are mandatory every alternate day, and after some positive reports, the sixth day of the event saw the “forced” withdrawal and seizure of some top players.
While all the 12 Indian participants and the two accompanying coaches were safe, World No. 5 and two-time champion Levon Aronian of Armenia Lost his first game of the second round after symptoms of fever and announced his withdrawal from the tournament on Friday.
All India Chess Federation (AICF) is closely monitoring the developments in Sochi. AICF secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan said, “All our players and coaches are safe and most of them have been vaccinated. Only three youngsters have not been vaccinated because of age.
World No 2 and American GM Fabiano Caruana’s progress is also in doubt, as his Indonesian rival Susanto Megaranto tested positive, halting their second-round fight midway. Fabiano won by default but faced more trials himself.
Megarento was wearing a mask during the game, Fabiano was not. Players are obliged to wear masks in all public areas but not during games.
Praying for his opponent’s safety, Caruana tweeted, “I hope Mr Megarento is feeling well – he seemed completely fine during the game, so the way the match ended was a lot.” That was the unpleasant shock. I’ll take a test tomorrow to determine if I was exposed to COVID and hopefully I can continue with the program after that.”
I hope Mr Megarento is feeling well – he seemed completely fine during the game, so the way the match ended…
— Fabiano Caruana (@FabianoCaruana) 1626367594000
In a statement, FIDE said, “In accordance with the protocol of the tournament, the player has been asked to leave the playing area and his game has been declared defeated. The player in question was wearing a mask during the game and has been placed in quarantine.” His opponents, who were requested to leave the sports hall immediately, will now undergo additional medical check-up, and will be re-tested tomorrow as scheduled.”
Without mentioning his name, Fide said Megaronto had tested negative three times in Sochi before the fourth tested positive. This exam result was supposed to come before the start of the round but got delayed by few hours.
FIDE is investigating why the result came after the rounds started.
The Fabiano-Megaranto game was in progress on the other board, with world champion Magnus Carlsen playing against Sasa Martinovic on the top board.
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