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Following Nikhil Kamath, Chess.com has flagged the accounts of Sajid Nadiadwala and Kichcha Sudeep for violating the platform’s Fair Play Policy.
On June 13th, the platform held a Checkmate COVID fundraiser, which was a grand success as more than ₹10 lakh was collected during the 4-hour 30-minute long stream. It featured the five-time world champion and number one Indian chess player, Viswanathan Anand, playing simultaneously against nine opponents.
The star-studded list of participants included Nikhil Kamath, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kichcha Sudeep, Sajid Nadiadwala, Riteish Deshmukh, Aamir Khan, Arijit Singh, Anaya Birla, and Manu Kumar Jain.
Anand won eight of the nine games during the event, only losing to Nikhil Kamath, who had an accuracy of 99% in the game. Viewers had suspicions of foul play during the event, which was confirmed after the suspension of his account.
Chess.com bans Sajid Nadiadwala and Kichcha Sudeep for Fair Play violation
A new controversy has erupted around the event as two more players, Sajid Nadiadwala and Kichcha Sudeep, have been banned by Chess.com for cheating.
Yesterday was a celebrity simul for people to raise money It was a fun experience upholding the ethics of the game.I just played the position onthe board and expected the same from everyone . pic.twitter.com/ISJcguA8jQ
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) June 14, 2021
It comes a day after Nikhil Kamath was banned, and the co-founder of Zerodha apologized for his mistake in a tweet. He later added:
“In my head, it was just a fun game we amateurs were playing against the greatest chess champ from India to raise funds for charity. But it still gives no excuse for what I did. It was wrong, and I sincerely apologize.”
Vishy Anand shared his views on this whole cheating issue in his reply to the tweet.
Yesterday was a celebrity simul for people to raise money It was a fun experience upholding the ethics of the game.I just played the position onthe board and expected the same from everyone . pic.twitter.com/ISJcguA8jQ
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) June 14, 2021
Prachura P P posted this clarification on the cheating incident on behalf of the organizing team:
“We were completely unaware that non-ethical practices were resorted to during the event, and assure that we are duty-bound to uphold the ethics in the game of chess.”
On behalf of organizing team @itherocky and the hosts @TaniaSachdev @ReheSamay wish to clarify that we were completely unaware that non ethical practices were resorted to during the event, and assure that we are duty bound to uphold the ethics in the game of chess.
— Prachura (@Prachura1) June 14, 2021
Chess.com’s Chief Chess Officer, Danny Rensch, released the following statement regarding the cheating controversy and closure of the account on June 14th:
“When it comes to Fair Play, Chess.com acts only in the best interest of the global chess community. Our goals are to protect the integrity of all games played on our site.”
As for cheating, jokes aside, there are billions of reasons not to do so and zero to do so, so I just never get it. ??♂️ #ChessDrama
— Anish Giri (@anishgiri) June 15, 2021
Can't believe that @KicchaSudeep also did this, all 3 accounts are banned. https://t.co/W1I6yEo51i pic.twitter.com/q5Oy4PC1Xi
— P V P kumar (@PVPkumar1) June 14, 2021
One more to go....#fairplay #sportsmanspirit https://t.co/Nj2ct606aF
— Surya Sekhar Ganguly (@suryachess64) June 14, 2021
How can cheating be fun in a COVID charity event? You disrespected not only chess but also other guests and thousands of fans watching the event. https://t.co/QXiddAduIH
— Harikrishna (@HariChess) June 14, 2021
Disheartened to come to know that even Sajid Nadiadwala cheated yesterday. This is pure disrespect to chess.
— Samay Raina (@ReheSamay) June 14, 2021
Great job @chesscom on banning cheaters. It is easy to follow the trend/crowd but it takes guts/bravery to speak against wrong when no one else doing it. Thanks @nsrinath69 for the starting tweet. I was wondering how to write it in a plain direct manner & ur tweet nailed it.
— Surya Sekhar Ganguly (@suryachess64) June 15, 2021
Everyone suspected this. I didn't want to be the judge, jury, executioner. Now the truth of this whole thing is out and clear. pic.twitter.com/SqSbqpqRcf
— Srinath Narayanan (@nsrinath69) June 14, 2021
Many of you have been asking me for my opinion about this incident. It’s obvious. The game of Chess wasn’t played in the right spirit. It’s wrong. No two ways about it. pic.twitter.com/QQqoGJWJCr
— Vidit Gujrathi (@viditchess) June 14, 2021
Woke up to this. Complete disrespect to chess. Nothing justifies cheating. Going back to sleep https://t.co/d8RCCst3TG
— Tania Sachdev (@TaniaSachdev) June 14, 2021
Seems like more people had help from their silicone friend yesterday which makes Vishy's result even more impressive. Guy held a simul against multiple Stockfish engines ?
— agadmator (@agadmator) June 14, 2021
Courtesy: www.sportskeeda.com
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Lucknow (PTI): BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday alleged irregularities in voting in the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls and said her party will not contest by-elections in future, particularly in the state, "until Election Commission takes measures to prevent fake voting".
By-elections to nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh were held on November 20 and results of it were declared on Saturday. Bahujan Samaj Party contested all nine seats but failed to win any.
"In the bypolls held for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, there is widespread discussion about the votes cast and the results announced yesterday. I am not saying this myself; it is a common perception among people that earlier, during elections conducted with ballot papers, fake votes were cast by misusing the system, often through fraud," Mayawati said in a press conference here.
"Now, similar practices are being carried out using EVMs, which is a matter of deep sorrow and concern for democracy," the former UP chief minister said.
Not only this, but these activities are now being executed more openly, especially during by-elections, as opposed to general elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, she claimed.
"We recently witnessed this in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls. Similar concerns have also been raised regarding the recent general elections in Maharashtra. This is a major warning bell for democracy in our country," she said.
"Given this situation, our party has decided that until the Election Commission of India takes strict measures to prevent fake voting, we will not participate in any by-elections across the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. I am specifically referring to by-elections here," Mayawati said.
As far as general elections are concerned, she continued, there is a somewhat better safeguard because the fear of power changing hands makes the ruling party more cautious.
"In general elections, it is not guaranteed that the party in power will return to power and another party may take over. This fear keeps the government machinery somewhat restrained," she added.
Considering all these factors, our party will contest general elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies with full preparation and strength, Mayawati stressed.
In the bypolls, the BJP and its ally RLD together won seven seats while Samajwadi Party candidates emerged victorious on two.