Since September 1997 (exactly 20 years), I have organized around 700 rated events (through Polgar Chess, SPICE at TTU, SPICE at Webster University, and SPF, etc.) and countless more unrated tournaments. No World Champion or Grandmaster has organized this many events. I have organized everything from Scholastic events to major Open Swiss and World Class Round Robin tournaments.
Speaking as a prolific organizer, I have faced many “unusual” situations, including dress code. What I have done is simple. I waited until after the game / event (depend on if it was a 1 round per day or 1 day tournament, etc.) is over then I ask that particular player not to wear a particular outfit (or types of clothes) for the next round or in the future. But as a former World Class Professional Player, I would not want any arbiter / organizer to interrupt my focus before an important game. They can do it after.
In this case, even though I find the rules ambiguous, I am not disputing it. My argument is if the organizers and arbiters allowed GM Anton Kovalyov to play 4 games (2 games in round 1 and 2 games in round 2), what changed? Was this mentioned during the players’ meeting? Was this ever mentioned to him? He said no.
The organizers and arbiters could have told GM Kovalyov not to come to game 2 of round 1 with this type of dressed shorts. He would have no problem going to the store to buy some pants. So if they “only” noticed his shorts in round 3 (which is peculiar since he played Anand and round 2 and there were plenty of pictures taken with this shorts), the right course of action would have been to politely ask him to change to pants for game 2.
This incident was unnecessary. It is not good for the sponsors, organizers, FIDE, or chess in general.
(photo by http://tbilisi2017.fide.com)
If they only noticed it now, the authorities should have politely ask him to wear pants to tomorrow’s game.
Well said. The guy who kicked him out is a alleged criminal and an alleged ratings point cheat (paid to get into the top 20 back in the day), as well as a racist apparently.
I have created a indiegogo campaign to raise the price money Anton was denied. The money goes directly to Anton. Please give a few dollars so we show Anton we support him! https://www.generosity.com/sports-fundraising/lets-give-gm-anton-kovalyov-his-price-money/x/17327904
I am not watching the event anymore. Not just because Carlsen is out, but because the other chess players have refused to react to this. They are all there, thanking their stars that one more person is out. Chess players are supposed to be near genius individuals, with some decency, at least for the sport. What I see here are just greedy gamblers!
If all the players refused to play until the matter is resolved, then the organizers will understand that the strength of the sport lay with the players and not the organizers!
Also, I am not surprised he refused to play. I have had an argument before a round in a tournament and went on to escape with a draw against a much lower rated player because I could not focus after the argument.
Stirring him up as they did was absolutely unprofessional!
If FIDE does nothing about this, and all the players keep silent, then, I AM QUITTING CHESS!
You can not abuse power because of your position as an organizer and continue your life like nothing happened.
The world is watching this!