Press release № 13
Navara and Moiseenko receive the Fair Play Prize from the Governor of Ugra
Grandmasters David Navara (Czech Republic) and Alexander Moiseenko (Ukraine) received the Fair Play Prize today, provided by Natalia Komarova, Governor of Ugra.
September 6, Khanty-Mansiysk
The return games of the Round 3 of the World Cup were played on September 4. After lengthy fight David Navara reached a totally won endgame position, but offered his opponent, Alexander Moiseenko, a draw. After the game was drawn, the Czech grandmaster explained the reason behind this offer: earlier in the game he carelessly touched his king instead of his bishop. According to the rules, Navara had to move the king, but this would lead to an immediate loss. However, Moiseenko did not want to accept such advantage, which he considered unfair, and allowed his opponent to move the bishop. Navara eventually reached a won position, but returned the favor by offering a draw.
This situation created a lot of discussion around the chess world. The stakes at that moment were quite high: the losers of the Round 3 receive $12,800, while the winners advance to the Round 4, win at least $20,000 and have an opportunity to compete for three spots in the candidates’ tournament.
Natalia Komarova, the Governor of Ugra, decided to award both players a special prize to acknowledge their fair play:
– In Ugra we pay a lot of attention to the spirit of fair play regardless of the level of the event. We encourage honor and generosity both at the chess board and in everyday life. I am personally very proud of both players, who sacrificed their strive for material gains. I could not simply overlook such a knightly act. This is the first time we are awarding the Fair Play Prize, but I think we will make it a tradition in future. You don’t have to become a champion to win this prize, you just have to live in harmony with world and other people. I want to thank Alexander and David for reminding us of the fair play principles. The International Chess Federation’s motto is “We are one family”. It is the same for everybody who lives or visits our Ugra land.
David Navara thanked the Governor and added:
– I am very grateful for Mrs Komarova. But I didn’t think of any reward when I offered a draw, I just did the right thing.
It worth mentioning that the Czech grandmaster eventually won the match on tie-break and advanced to the next round.
Alexander Moiseenko confessed:
– Of course losing always brings negative feelings. However, this is not the case. I lost not only to a very strong player, but also to a noble man. I think David’s decision to offer me a draw is unique for the chess world – no one else would do it under such circumstances. I was simply shocked by his offer. I admire David’s decision and wish him the best of luck at the World Cup.
Evgeny Redkin, the Olympic champion 1992 in biathlon, congratulated both players and wished them success in future tournaments.
Official website: http://chess.ugrasport.com
He’s a great guy.
I agree with the award to Navara; but to Moiseenko????
Even Moiseenko accepts Navara didn’t touched his king intentionally, so why he pointed out to him? And then he “pardoned” him!! Bizarre thing. And more bizarre award it.
This is one of those games that needs an asterisk beside the result – otherwise, future generations of chess players who did not know the circumstances would wonder why the game was drawn when Black had a mate in four.
I agree with Ritch. Moiseenko is being given far too much credit for sportsmanship. In fact, since the touch was clearly unintentional, even discussing it with Navara might have been an attempt to play a head game with him. I’m not sure Moiseenko shouldn’t be chastised instead of awarded.
Reason for Moiseenko: If you were in a position where forcing your opponent to follow the “touch move” rule would allow you to win.. I wonder how many of us would choose to continue the game.
Moiseenko deserves recognition for being such a gentleman!
As pointed out earlier, “According to the rules, Navara had to move the king.” Doing so would have lost the game, so Moiseenko allowed it to continue.
Thank you Moiseenko for showing the world what a true sportsman is!
Congratulations on winning the “fair play” prize, and good luck to Navara!
“Reason for Moiseenko: If you were in a position where forcing your opponent to follow the “touch move” rule would allow you to win.. I wonder how many of us would choose to continue the game. “
Moiseenko could NOT force Navara to move the king, because the touch-move rule only apply if the player DELIBERATELY touch the piece. Actually *Navara* summoned the arbiter to clear the incident and him allow to continue the game.
When you play chess over the board is not uncommon to tick away the King being the tallest piece and standing in the first rows most of the time; and nobody make a issue for this, unless you want to annoy your apponent.
BOTH players deserve the fairness award! This sets an example to other chess players to follow their footstep and not try to win at all cost!
Mathur