Negative Covid, Irene and Medina Withdraw from Chess World Cup

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —

Two Indonesian chess players, Irene Kharisma Sukandar and Medina Warda Aulia decided to withdraw from the 2021 Chess World Cup in Russia despite having tested negative for Covid-19.

Medina and Irene had to undergo a PCR test after another Indonesian chess player, Susanto Megaranto, tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday (15/7).

After undergoing PCR tests at Sochi International Airport, both of them tested negative. However, the two Indonesian chess players decided not to continue the second round match.

“To all, we would like to announce that Medina and I have decided to withdraw from the World Cup. We are really very motivated to continue competing but the safety of all participants, organisers, arbitrators and everyone around us is far more important than our personal interests.”

“I want to thank @FIDE_chess for everything they do to ensure that we can continue to compete, and all the fans and friends who have given us their full support,” Irene wrote on Twitter.

[Gambas:Twitter]

Irene also stated that she would continue to be vigilant in order to prevent the risk of Covid-19 transmission so that she could return home safely to Indonesia.

“Please also give your support for the recovery of the rest of the Indonesian delegation who tested positive. Both Megaranto and Ervan are also disappointed but they thank you for all your support. And we will do everything we can to return home safely. Thank you all,” tweeted Irene.

Medina and Irene have a schedule for the second half of the match today. The two chess players with International Master titles lost to their opponents in the first match of the second round which took place on Thursday (15/7).

Since arriving in Sochi, the Indonesian team has had a series of poor results regarding the PCR test. Mohammad Ervan, one of the chess players who should have appeared in the World Cup this time was forced to not be able to compete because he tested positive for Covid. Likewise, the Head of Binpres PB Percasi, Kristianus Liem.

Meanwhile, Susanto, who was undergoing the first match of the second round against Fabiano Caruana, was forced to end the fight because his PCR test results also tested positive.

Reported from Chess.com, the committee was forced to stop the match between Susanto and Caruana which had entered the 15th step because the test results were late. FIDE also investigated the delay.

[Gambas:Video CNN]

(nva/jal)

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