Hans Neemon withdrew from Paris leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour event, the organizers of the event said late Saturday on their social media handle. No reason was given by the player or organizer. Nodirbek Abdoustarov was designated as a replacement of the American Grandmaster. The announcement has been made 48 hours before the incident started. The four Indians – Gukesh, Arjun Erygasi, Pragnanandha and Vidit Gujrathi – are expected to compete in the event.
Neeman had earlier said that he was eagerly keen to play in Paris. “I am deeply grateful to the opportunity to compete in the Freestyle Paris version … No matter what opportunities come in my way, I will continue to let my chess speak for myself. Thank you all those who support me on this journey.”
Neeman has not yet talked about the return.
Neemon’s involvement at the event in Paris was eagerly estimated as it raised him against former world champion Magnus Carlsen, who accused him of cheating in 2022, which led to a $ 100 million case. There is still very bad blood between the two players.
Top players like former world champion and current world number 1 Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana will also compete in the event in Paris. Other contenders are: Vincent Keimer, Ian Napomonachchi, Richard Rapport (who replaced Alirza Firuza), and Maxim Wester-Lagrav. It will be the first freestyle chess Grand Slam to introduce 12 participants.
Pavilon Chessai Do Roy to host Paris leg
Neeman was given a wildcard invitation from the tournament organizers.
The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour will be held at Pavilon Chessani Do Roy, Paris, which is located in the historic Boos Day Wincates. The event will begin with a two-day round-robin phase, out of which eight players will move forward to the knockout stage. Classical time-control matches will appear in the last six days, which will speed up the play.
Following the first incident in Visenhus, this is the second Grand Slam title of the year in the Freestyle Tour, where Vincent Kimer of Germany won the soil of the house.
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The Paris leg has a price of $ 7,50,000 at stake, the winner has guaranteed to move away with $ 2,00,000.
