FIDE vice-president: Teymou Radjabov did right to decline Linares after the robbery
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20 Feb 2007 17:41 ]
“I was very upset with Teymour Radjabov’s being robbed in Mexico. This is a shameful thing for a super tournament like Linares. As a FIDE vice-president I condemn this action. There was no necessity to organize first turn in Morelia.
The happenings with Teymour Radjabov proved the tournament to be organized in law level. Organizers must guarantee the security of the players?, International Chess Federation (FIDE) vice-president Zurab Azmaiparashvili told APA-SPORT.
He appreciated Teymour’s decision to refuse the tournament a right step.
“Radjabov is a victim and his reaction to the robbery is understandable. Teymour is one of five best grandmasters in the world. But I couldn’t understand organizers’ attitude to the robbery. They almost said nothing. They could have behaved at least as an ordinary person. The organizers’ behaviors made me feel sorry. They should have supported Teymour, because it could have happened to them as well. All the participants could have protested them and boycotted the Linares tournament?, he underscored.
Azmaiparashvili stated that if Teymour appeals to the FIDE in connection with the incident in Morelia, his appeal may be considered in FIDE Council of President. In its letter to the FIDE Azerbaijan Chess Federation demanded the incident to be investigated and culprits to be punished. Vice-president said he has no information about the letter.
“I haven’t visited FIDE headquarters as I am in Moscow. FIDE president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov is in homeland Kalmikiya. We have no information about the letter now. Azerbaijan Chess Federation has taken a right step. The rest is up to the FIDE. I guess we’ll come together soon and pass a final decision?, he noted.
He said the 13th world champ Harry Kasparov was also disappointed with the robbery.
“I met your compatriot Harry Kasparov. He was shocked with what had happened to Teymour. Kasparov told me he is going to give statement to Dutch media to express his support to Radjabov. He promised to condemn the robbery?, he said. /APA-SPORT/