Viswanathan Anand, too, objects to Vladimir Kramnik’s comments on late US Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky

Former world champion Viswanathan Anand (PTI Photo)

Death, more than life, is causing tension at the world body of chess at the moment. The passing of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky under mysterious circumstance is dominating the headlines and the FIDE has officially initiated a probe into the allegations made my Vladimir Kramnik, who said that the late 29-year-old was cheating in online games. Another former world champion, Viswanathan Anand, has joined this debate and he made his stand clear that the Russian possibly overstepped the line between sensationalism and talking substance.

“To be honest, most of us are quite disappointed with how Kramnik has behaved in this matter, and we will take steps to take care of this. I don’t think there is any cause for unfounded allegations, and we will continue working on that,” the five-time world champion told the media at the FIDE World Cup in Goa on Tuesday. Anand is also a vice-president of FIDE.

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Naroditsky was a popular chess figure on social media. Not just a strong player, he was active in making chess popular in his role as an educator and engager. Kramnik went on record on social media that he suspected a drug overdose in his death. Even before that unfortunate incident, he was airing his views that he thought “Dania” — as he was popularly known as — was cheating and was under the influence of mood-altering substances. None of his claims were backed by proof. Just a few days ago, FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovic said that Kramnik would be asked to furnish evidence to back his allegations.

Anand seems to be on the same page. “I hope this (Naroditsky’s death) will also lead to a conversation, not only for organisations and platforms, but also parents and youngsters. I think one of the messages parents will have to give out to youngsters is not to believe everything you read, and not to take it literally. I mean, it is a fairly unregulated space. You will have to learn to just leave it there. But of course, it is not something we are only going to leave to the parents. Hopefully, they can help fight the battle with it,” Anand said.

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As it seems, this issue is not dying down. Top officials and a legendary player implying that what Kramnik said was uncalled for is unprecedented. What the FIDE probe will reveal is not known, but its president and vice-president taking objection to Kramnik’s stand is a serious matter. More will come out of this and few know what it will be.