Chinese language chess star Zhu Jiner slams FIDE for ‘inconceivable’ gown code high quality: ‘Rules should apply equally’

After Magnus Carlsen’s denims controversy, the Worldwide Chess Federation (FIDE) is once more dealing with the warmth over its gown code as Grandmaster Zhu Jiner has accused them of “disrupting” her recreation within the 2024 Ladies’s World Blitz Championship with a high quality.

The 22-year-old Chinese language star, who’s ranked No.10 on this planet, misplaced within the quarter-finals to R Vaishali because the Indian
went on to win the bronze. Zhu Jiner had gained the bronze final 12 months in the identical competitors.

“The actions of the FIDE officers throughout this important stage disrupted my efficiency, and on account of this interference, I misplaced the match, lacking the chance to advance to the semi-finals—a deeply unlucky final result,” Zhu Jiner stated in an open letter.

FIDE slammed for elevating gown code situation throughout a match

Zhu Jiner revealed that through the first recreation of the quarter-finals, she was knowledgeable about her boots violating the gown code and a $200 high quality which “negatively impacted my efficiency”. Zhu Jiner added that she had worn the identical outfit all through the match and it was “inconceivable” that objections have been raised throughout a match.

“First, I have to deal with the fully inappropriate and unjust high quality imposed on me through the match. As a participant, I’ve at all times believed that the utmost respect for the principles and for the gamers is important. Nonetheless, the best way this official enforced the principles was neither honest nor respectful,” she wrote.

“The clothes I wore—a sweater, trousers, and boots—didn’t violate any official gown code pointers. I wore these boots all through the match with none objection from anybody. To out of the blue face such interference in the midst of the match, particularly after I was so near reaching the semi-finals, is actually inconceivable.

“If there have been considerations about gamers’ apparel, these ought to have been addressed previous to the match, not through the match, significantly in a blitz format the place time is extremely treasured. This example highlights a lack of know-how of what athletes want and detracts from the very essence of chess. Such interference is pointless and weakens the equity of the match.”

Zhu Jiner asks for ‘full decision’ of the gown code discrepancies

Zhu Jiner identified that whereas she could not obtain as a lot consideration as Carlsen, who was disqualified from the World Fast Championship for sporting denims however returned for the Blitz competitors
after FIDE agreed to his calls for, the principles should “apply equally to all gamers”.

“Whereas I could not obtain the identical stage of consideration as Mr. Magnus Carlsen, all individuals are equal, and women and men are equal in each regard. The rules should apply equally to all gamers,” Zhu Jiner stated.

“I’m deeply grateful to the sponsors who organized this occasion within the coronary heart of New York Metropolis, offering a superb platform for chess. Nonetheless, the best way the officers dealt with the incident overshadowed the positives of the match. This unwarranted interference instantly distracted me and negatively impacted my efficiency. It’s no exaggeration to say that this interference led to my loss within the subsequent spherical, thereby stopping me from advancing to the semi-finals. An official who doesn’t perceive his personal guidelines, mustn’t intrude with the gamers, and mustn’t affect the equity of the sport along with his private will.”

She additionally requested for a “full decision” of the matter from FIDE. Zhu Jiner added that gamers “need to be handled with dignity and respect” together with the governing physique adhering to “honest guidelines”.