AICF awaits a word from Humpy on participation in Worlds

The All India Chess Federation is awaiting a confirmation of spearhead Koneru Humpy for the upcoming FIDE World Women’s team chess championship beginning at Sitges, Spain, on September 27.

AICF secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan stated that since Humpy had taken Covaxin vaccinee, she will be required to undergo a 10-day quarantine on arrival in Spain.

The All India Chess Federation is awaiting a confirmation of spearhead Koneru Humpy for the upcoming FIDE World Women’s team chess championship beginning at Sitges, Spain, on September 27.

According to the AICF Secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan, “Since Humpy has taken Covaxin vaccine (and not Covishield, as preferred by European nations), she will be required to undergo a 10-day quarantine on arrival.

“Humpy had expressed apprehension over the possibility of difficulties on arrival at the European port. In the event of Humpy opting out, Mary Ann Gomes will join the team, since first-choice replacement Padmini Rout, too, has taken Covaxin vaccine. I am awaiting some clarity in a day.”

Other members of the team are, D. Harika, R. Vaishali, Tania Sachdev and Bhakti Kulkarni. Twelve teams, divided into two groups of six each, will play the league phase. Top four teams from each group will qualify to the quarterfinals. In the knockout phase, each tie will consist of two sets of matches.

Competitions will be held over four boards. The time-control is, 45 minutes each for both players plus 10-second increment for each move. Final will be on October 2.