It’s disappointing that players have to stand for hours(!) in freezing cold to get the basic pcr test done right before the games. pic.twitter.com/iTSjjpvzHZ
— Vidit Gujrathi (@viditchess) December 30, 2021
Meanwhile…FIDE cannot setup private COVID testing for the hundreds of participants in the event, and everyone is stuck in a mile long line at a public testing facility. Hopefully nobody forfeits their 1st game today or misses a flight tomorrow.
— Hikaru Nakamura (@GMHikaru) December 30, 2021
Unfortunately, a couple of COVID tests made this morning prior to the departures have came out as positive. The players have been forced to withdraw from the tournament, and their opponents have been contacted so they can go through additional checkups.
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 30, 2021
Wasn't feeling well before the Rapid, told @FIDE_chess , got tested – was neg and I played. Needed to take a test today to fly tomorrow – it's positive. I cannot finish the tournament and now am worried for all my opponents. Will be seeing you on stream doing commentary, I guess.
— Hikaru Nakamura (@GMHikaru) December 30, 2021
Dziś ostatni dzień z Mistrzostwami Świata w Szachach Szybkich i Błyskawicznych na PGE Narodowym ?♟ Zaczynamy o godzinie 14:00!#RapidBlitz
? @FIDE_chess pic.twitter.com/299yOy6wwH
— PGE Narodowy (@PGENarodowy) December 30, 2021