Viswanathan Anand Defends Cyprus As Candidates Host Despite West Asia Conflict

Last Updated:March 16, 2026, 23:27 IST

Viswanathan Anand defends Cyprus as FIDE Candidates Tournament host despite threats of participants pulling out due to West Asia security situation.

Viswanathan Anand has defended Cyprus as the host of the upcoming FIDE Candidates Tournament, saying the island nation offers a high-quality setting for one of chess’ most important events despite concerns over regional tensions.

Cyprus has been in focus due to its proximity to the evolving Gulf conflict, with some players reportedly weighing security considerations ahead of the tournament, which begins on March 28. Veteran Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy is reportedly considering withdrawing from the event for the same reason.

However, Anand, a five-time world champion and vice-president of FIDE, expressed confidence in the preparations and the choice of venue.

“FIDE tries to first find a good high-quality venue (and) I think we’ve succeeded in that. Cyprus will be a very good venue and I think the location is going to be amazing and we try to keep the players informed.

“It’s just a tournament in the end, once you’re told when to go, where to go you block that in your head… I think everything’s been setted four months in advance and looking forward to it," Anand said, as quoted by PTI.

The tournament will feature eight of the world’s strongest players in the Open section, competing for the right to challenge reigning world champion D Gukesh for the world title later this year.

Praggnanandhaa may have ‘slowed down’, but remains motivated

Anand also weighed in on the prospects of young Indian star R Praggnanandhaa, who will be the lone Indian representative in the men’s Candidates field.

Praggnanandhaa heads into the tournament after an intense 2025 campaign in which he won multiple major titles and secured qualification for the Candidates. However, the demanding schedule has had an impact on his recent form. His classical rating has slipped from a career-high world No. 4 to world No. 13 in the official March 2026 rankings released by FIDE.

The 20-year-old has acknowledged the dip in form, citing both physical and mental exhaustion, and chose to keep his schedule light during February and March to recover ahead of the high-pressure tournament.

Despite the recent slowdown, Anand believes the youngster may simply be gearing up mentally for the challenge.

“He’s (Praggnanandhaa) experienced, but at the same time he looks very motivated. He has slowed down a little bit in the last few months, but maybe mentally he is already peaking and getting ready for the Candidates," Anand said.

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