An little-told story, of a world-champion chess player who gave up her titles for the honor of principle. Read it in what she posted on Facebook almost four years ago.
"In a few days, I am going to lose two World Champion titles -- one by one. Just because I decided not to go to Saudi Arabia. Not to play by someone's rules, not to wear abaya, not to be accompanied getting outside, and altogether not to feel myself a secondary creature. Exactly one year ago I won these two titles and was about the happiest person in the chess world but this time I feel really bad. I am ready to stand for my principles and skip the event, where in five days I was expected to earn more than I do in a dozen of events combined. All that is annoying, but the most upsetting thing is that almost nobody really cares. That is a really bitter feeling, still not the one to change my opinion and principles. The same goes for my sister Mariya -- and I am really happy that we share this point of view. And yes, for those who who care -- we'll be back!"
Anna Muzychuk, women's grandmaster, and one of the very foremost women's players in the world, made this Facebook post and never looked back. Anna gave up her world championships in both rapid and blitz chess because she refused to be required to wear loose-fitting clothing -- abaya -- and not leave the hotel unless accompanied by a man. Bless her. Bless them both. Her sister Mariya reigned as women's world champion of chess from April 2015 to March 2016. Anna was the fourth women in history to reach an ELO rating of 2600.
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