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Anish Giri Slams Chess World Cup Criticism

2026-06-23 · Anish Giri · Player Focus

Anish Giri Slams Chess World Cup Criticism

Anish Giri slammed the criticism of the Chess World Cup, calling it 'ridiculous' and defending the organisers.

What happened?

The Dutch GM responded to the claims made by Ian Nepomniachtchi and Fabiano Caruana about the playing and living conditions in Goa. Anish Giri said the challenges of playing in India were expected, but the food was reasonably diverse and the spice level was not as high as he feared.

Why it matters for Anish Giri

Giri's comments came after he crashed out of the tournament in Round 3, losing to GM Alexander Donchenko. He mentioned that his main issue was jet lag, but he had completely recovered and was ready to play.

What comes next?

The Chess World Cup will continue, with other top players competing for the title. Anish Giri's comments may ease the concerns of some players, but others may still have issues with the conditions. He also rejected the claim of bedbugs in the hotel, saying it was 'funny' that people who were not even there were making such claims. The Ukrainian GM Vassily Ivanchuk also praised the tournament organisers, blaming his elimination on his performance. Anish Giri's experience in India was not all negative, as he found the food to be diverse and the conditions to be fair. He even joked about the toilet being just five metres away from the playing hall, saying it was close enough. The controversy surrounding the Chess World Cup has sparked a debate among players and fans, with some defending the organisers and others criticising them. Anish Giri's comments have added a new perspective to the debate, highlighting the challenges and advantages of playing in India. The tournament will continue to be closely watched, with players and fans eager to see how it unfolds. As of the 2025 Chess World Cup, Anish Giri is ranked as the world no. 3, and his performance in the tournament was highly anticipated. Despite his early exit, Giri's comments have made a significant impact on the debate surrounding the tournament. The Chess World Cup has a long history, dating back to 1988, and has been held in various locations around the world. This year's tournament has been marked by controversy, but it has also showcased the skills of top players like Anish Giri. Giri's comments have been widely reported, and his defence of the organisers has been seen as a significant development in the debate. The tournament will continue to be closely watched, with players and fans eager to see how it unfolds.

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