New Delhi, Ukraine's Anna Muzychuk has replaced Koneru Humpy in the upcoming Candidates Tournament in Cyprus after the Indian Grandmaster withdrew citing safety concerns.
The tournament, which will determine the challengers for the world championship crowns currently held by D Gukesh and Ju Wenjun, is scheduled to begin in Paphos on Saturday.
Muzychuk, a former Women's World Rapid champion and a two-time Women's World Blitz champion, will join the tournament as Humpy's replacement.
Humpy, a two-time Women's World Rapid Champion, pulled out of the event despite assurances from organisers, citing concerns over personal safety.
FIDE confirmed that Muzychuk had been invited as Humpy's replacement, saying she was the next highest finisher in the Women's Events Series 2024–25 who has not yet secured qualification.
