Double World Champion refuses to defend titles in Saudi Arabia

[noblegiraffe]

Anna Muzychuk from Ukraine is the current Women's Rapid and Blitz chess world champion. Her statement says:
"In a few days I am going to lose two World Champion titles - one by one. Just because I decided not to go to Saudi Arabia. Not to play by someone's rules, not to wear abaya, not to be accompanied getting outside, and altogether not to feel myself a secondary creature. Exactly one year ago I won these two titles and was about the happiest person in the chess world but this time I feel really bad. I am ready to stand for my principles and skip the event, where in five days I was expected to earn more than I do in a dozen of events combined. All that is annoying, but the most upsetting thing is that almost nobody really cares. That is a really bitter feeling, still not the one to change my opinion and my principles. The same goes for my sister Mariya - and I am really happy that we share this point of view. And yes, for those few who care - we'll be back!"

Good for her!
www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/world-chess-champions-anna-muzychuk-saudi-arabia-rapid-blitz-inequality-a8128751.html

That’s great

Why was it ever agreed to hold the championships there?

The decision to hold it there was a total fuck you to all the women competitors in the first place. Shows them exactly what the ?governing body or whoever decided, really thinks of women in the game ie they don't want them there.

I can't see any other way to read this.

Full credit to Anna Muzychuk. Women cannot support any event in Saudi Arabia without supporting the regime there. It would be like competing in South Africa during apartheid.

Agreed

Good Woman