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Anton Kovalyov on Round 3

I recently read the Azmaiparashvili article in the Danailov for president site.

He should IMMEDIATELY get banned for life.
Sounds like he was treated badly. And the same clothing was allowed in the first 2 rounds. And he probably was technically within the dress rules.

However his mismatched "ensemble" looked like it was laundry day. To wear that in such a prestigious event really was asking for trouble.
10 minutes before the game ?
He should have asked to buy one after the game. He was bullied by Zurab instead.
I definitely can understand that Kovalyov decided to leave after his mistreadment.
No matter what you say, if he wears the shorts in the first two rounds there is no way it is fair to force him to change them a few minutes before the round. The arbiters should give out a warning so he could get 'decent' pants for the next round.
And if Kovalyov is right about Azmaiparashvilis insults - what I believe, as different accounts of Azmaraipashvili being a cheater and possibly a criminal exist while Kovalyov is seen as a nice person - you no longer can ignore his mistreatment.
He lays down a marker against such doings and thats the correct way. Only thing I'm missing is an appeal by him. Sure, he is upset but nevertheless he should fight against such unfairness. FIDE needs to get challenged for being such a corrupt organisation and still holding on to Azmaiparashvili.
The dress code rules are not clear at all. The World Cup regulations (here in PDF) state:

3. 13. 4. Players are requested to note the requirements of FIDE Regulations C.01 (Article 8.1) in respect of their dignified appearance at all times during the World Cup.

This refers to a document which is part of the FIDE Handbook, titled "01. Recommendations for Organization of Top-level Tournaments" and has the subtitle "Regulations for Organisation of Top-Level Tournament," a document that was approved in 1983 by the FIDE General Assembly, and amended in 1991 and 1992. The specific paragraph says:

8.1 The Commission on Chess Publication, Information and Statistics (CHIPS) stresses the need for all chess players to take more care in their personal appearance. The image of the chess player should be a dignified one, and dressing properly would not only show respect for the game, but also to sponsors, potential or otherwise, to make it worth their while to spend their money.
For example, some federations have barred slippers, sleeveless T-shirts and vests in their tournaments. Those with unkempt and greasy hair should be admonished, as well as those wearing old or torn jeans and battered attire generally.

It should be noted that "shorts" are not mentioned in paragraph 8.1. Besides, some players have been wearing sleeveless T-shirts and hoodies during this World Cup. Even though shorts are not commonly considered to be very formal, the actual regulations do not point out why they are less acceptable than e.g. T-shirts.

The players' contract does not specifically mention anything about the dress code, but it does say that by signing, the player commits himself to completing the various stages of the world
championship cycle 2016-2018 "in accordance with the regulations for the World Cup (...) and that regulations "form an integral part of this contract."
Delega told Chess.com that he hadn't noticed that Kovalyov was also wearing the same shorts in his four games before today's round—two against Varuzhan Akobian, and two against Vishy Anand.

"I saw it today and decided to talk to him about it," said Delega. "He said he did not have other pants with him and that he had worn the same in the previous World Cup, but then he started protesting about the wrong color."

Delega did not have time to discuss the dress code further with Kovalyov. He told Chess.com that he wasn't planning to punish him right away. "It was not my intention to deny the player from playing today."

Clearly the Arbiters were negligent the 1st two rounds by not taking notice of the shorts.
Clearly Kovalyov had better options than making his lame protests which became an easy excuse to leave the event.

It is also quite clear to many, that his "appearance" for a world class event at an upscale Hotel was not representative. That is a subjective issue of course.

1st it was he'd gained weight, no pants that fit. Then it was he was told it was OK. Then it became, Oh, that was 2 years ago at the last WC he was told that. Then it became the pairing colors were wrong. Then it becomes a personal issue of being the victim of discrimination.
I wish all the best for the young gentleman, but he needs to grow up and realize the world is not always fair. Nothing ever gets solved by quitting.

People go to work everyday being in an unhappy situation. They can't suddenly up and quit for no reason. Eventually they find a reason, place themselves in a contrived situation and have a built in excuse to finally walk out the door. This may have happened here. It's hard to imagine someone throwing in the towel in such a prestigious event over a pair of shorts.
Fischer withdrew from the Sousse Interzonal Tournament while leading because of a dispute over the tournament schedule.
Fischer withdrew without playing from the Lugano Olympiad because of a dispute over the quality of tables and chess boards.

There has also been an incident of Nigel Short wearing a short.
Nigel Short should be banned for life because he has a Short in his name.
The "Short" incident is well publicized. Nigel was sticking by his guns on wearing his shorts. The Organizers were adamant in their request. Both parties sat down and calmly discussed a peaceful resolution satisfactory for each.

If you're going to wear shorts, never wear socks! (Forget about the battered t-shirt with a giant logo in front and the 3 sizes to big hoodie.) We can live with that. Clearly Kovalyov's mother never taught him how to dress. (Respectively)

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