YEREVAN (A.W.)—As one of the top two chess players in the world, Grandmaster Levon Aronian informed World Chess Federation (FIDE) President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and FIDE Presidential Board members on Feb. 2 that he would not compete in the Candidates Tournament for the World Championship if Azerbaijan hosts the event.
In his letter, Aronian explained that holding the tournament in Azerbaijan would place him in a disadvantageous position, as he would be under external pressures and stress that would negatively affect his concentration, and rob him of “peace of mind.”
The final location of the Candidates Tournament is yet to be decided. The two contenders to play host are Azerbaijan and Bulgaria.
Aronian, 29, has registered a number of top tournament victories in recent years, cementing his position as one of the top chess players in the world today. On Jan. 29, he won first place at the prestigious Tata Steel Tournament in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands, closing in on number one-ranked Magnus Carlsen of Norway.
He also led Armenia’s national team to victories in the Chess Olympiad (2006 and 2008) and the World Team Championships (2011).
Below is the full text of the letter sent to the FIDE.
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February 2, 2012
To: FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
FIDE Presidential Board Members
Dear Mr. President
Dear Presidential Board Members
I learnt from the media that the Chess Federations of Azerbaijan and Bulgaria had submitted an application on holding the Candidates Tournament of World Championship.
I’d like to inform you that [the] general atmosphere in Azerbaijan and [the] continuous tensions between our countries make my participation in such [a] high ranked tournament in Azerbaijan impossible. A responsible and important event, such as the Candidates Tournament, requires peace of mind and special concentration. No circumstances, if they are not chess-related, should prevent the grandmaster from demonstrating all of his skills. Unfortunately, at this moment no Armenian can find [a] favorable or adequate psychological atmosphere in Azerbaijan, whereas that is something absolutely necessary. In my opinion, all the participants should be in equal conditions, which is impossible in case of holding the tournament in Azerbaijan. Security guaranties and any kind of additional support cannot be a remedy.
Taking into account the above-mentioned considerations, I inform you that I would be delighted to take part in Candidates Tournament [in] any other country, but my participation in the Candidates Tournament in Azerbaijan has to be excluded.
I hope you will take into account these considerations while discussing the issue of the tournament venue at the Presidential Board Meeting.
Thank you in advance and best regards,
GM Levon Aronian
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