Russian GM Lagno has withdrawn from the upcoming FIDE Women’s Grand Prix in Pune, accusing the chess governing body of anti-Russian discrimination. The controversy stems from a disputed “most beautiful game” award decision during February’s Monaco Grand Prix stage.
Lagno’s Controversial Withdrawal
Russian Grandmaster Kateryna Lagno officially announced her decision through an open letter addressed to FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. She expressed frustration over the Monaco tournament jury’s decision to award the best game prize to Alexandra Kosteniuk instead of recognizing her victory over Elisabeth Pähtz.
FIDE initially cited personal reasons for Lagno’s withdrawal, but the grandmaster’s public statement revealed deeper grievances. The letter, shared by fellow player IM Lilit Mkrtchian, accused FIDE of political bias against Russian competitors.
Chess Community Responds
The allegations sparked immediate reactions from prominent figures in the chess world. Elisabeth Pähtz, Lagno’s opponent in the disputed game, acknowledged the quality of Lagno’s play but disputed the bias claims. She pointed out that the judging panel included Russian representatives who had supported Lagno’s game.
Alexandra Kosteniuk, the award recipient, stated that while she personally admired Lagno’s game, she found no evidence of political motivation in the jury’s decision. Other chess professionals noted that such judging controversies occur regularly without nationalistic undertones.
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The incident occurs during a challenging competitive period for Lagno. Currently ranked 13th in the Grand Prix standings, her chances of qualifying for the 2026 Candidates Tournament appear increasingly slim. Some observers suggest this context may have influenced her decision to publicly challenge FIDE.
Tournament Implications
With Lagno’s withdrawal confirmed, the Pune Grand Prix will proceed without one of its highest-rated participants. FIDE has yet to issue an official statement addressing the specific allegations, though the organization typically avoids public commentary on judging decisions.
The chess community remains divided on the matter, with some supporting Lagno’s right to protest perceived unfairness, while others view the accusations as unfounded. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in international chess governance amid global political complexities.
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