Russian chess player Denis Khismatullin said that leading online platform Chess.com banned him from participating in prize tournaments and any social activities on the site after a dispute with Poland’s Jan-Krzysztof Duda at the World Rapid Championship in Samarkand. Khismatullin’s statement was published telegram channel Sergey Karyakin.
“A heated discussion began on social networks, and facts began to emerge that I, together with Sergei Karyakin, had repeatedly visited the territory of the North-Eastern Military District for humanitarian missions. “From now on, Chess.com, the most popular chess site, sent me an email informing me that from now on I am prohibited from participating in prize-winning tournaments and any social activities on their site,” the statement said.
During the competitions held in Samarkand between 26 and 30 December, Khismatullin extended his hand to Duda before one of the matches, to which he responded with a gesture of rejection. A video of this moment spread on social networks in early January 2024.
The match between Duda and Khismatullin ended in a draw. The Pole could have been disqualified for refusing to shake hands, but the Russian did not complain.
Previously in Poland appreciated Duda’s refusal to shake hands with Khismatullin.