Russian opponents at the FIDE tournament encounter refusal of handshakes from Ukrainian players, Muzychuk and Volokitin.

In the ongoing Grand Swiss tournament, taking place from 4 September to 16 September in Samarkand, a notable event has unfolded. The open championship, featuring 116 players, and the women's section, with 56 participants, are witnessing intense competition.

One of the most talked-about matches of the second round was between Ukrainian chess player Mariia Muzychuk and Russian player Valentina Gunina. Prior to the game, there was an unusual incident as Muzychuk refused to shake hands with Gunina. This decision has sparked discussions among the chess community.

Muzychuk, currently in 27th place among the women with 1 point, delivered a convincing comeback against the strong player Gunina, the five-time Russian champion and three-time European champion. The position remained even until the early stage of the middlegame, where Gunina made a significant blunder, leading to her defeat.

Meanwhile, in another match, Andrii Volokitin and Ian Nepomniachtchi ended their game in a draw. Interestingly, Russian media reports suggest that Volokitin, also a Ukrainian player, and Nepomniachtchi did not shake hands on the first day of the tournament, much like Muzychuk and Gunina.

The International Chess Federation has reported on the match between Muzychuk and Gunina, but there is no information available about any female player refusing to shake hands with a Russian player in the second round of the Grand Swiss in Samarkand.

The Grand Swiss tournament boasts a substantial prize fund. The open championship has a total prize fund between US$855,000 and US$625,000, while the women's tournament offers US$230,000.

In other chess news, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh recently made headlines by winning the Chess World Cup. Her victory adds to the growing list of young, promising chess players making their mark in the world of chess.

As the Grand Swiss tournament continues, these events serve as a reminder of the passion, competitiveness, and potential for controversy that exist within the chess community. The tournament promises to deliver more exciting matches and developments in the coming days.

Russian opponents at the FIDE tournament encounter refusal of handshakes from Ukrainian players, Muzychuk and Volokitin.