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FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky refuted Hikaru Nakamura's claims that the Candidates' rating qualification spot was designed for Magnus Carlsen's potential return. Sutovsky clarified that the rule has existed for years and now benefits top players like Nakamura. He emphasised the spot ensures the inclusion of the world's best, not specifically targeting Carlsen, whose return is deemed unlikely.

A grandmaster chess tournament in New Delhi emphasises silence and concentration, contrasting sharply with the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas, where spectators reacted boisterously to moves. Players expressed frustration with the distractions caused by the live audience, questioning whether chess is truly ready for such an environment.

Anish Giri criticized Ian Nepomniachtchi and Hikaru Nakamura over their protest at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Teams event, questioning their sense of entitlement after arriving late and replaying games. Nepo and Nakamura fired back with sarcastic remarks, while Giri insisted he only reacts strongly to perceived injustice.