Ukrainian grandmaster Anna Muzychuk will replace Koneru Humpy in the 2026 Women’s Candidates tournament after Humpy withdrew citing safety concerns linked to escalating Middle East tensions.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) confirmed the substitution on Sunday, stating Muzychuk was next in line based on results from the Women’s Events Series 2024-25.
Humpy, India’s top female player, announced her decision on social media: “No event, no matter how important, can come before personal safety and well-being.”
The tournament runs March 28 to April 16 in Cyprus. Muzychuk joins a field including Tan Zhongyi, Kateryna Lagno, Aleksandra Goryachkina, Zhu Jiner, Divya Deshmukh, Vaishali Rameshbabu, and Bibisara Assaubayeva.