Dubov's decline at Tata Steel Round 7

Fan-favorite GM Daniel Dubov wasn't prevented from attending his games at the prodigious Tata Steel 2022 round 7 - he actually declined.

Someone in his 'inner circle' tested positive, although he tested negative on the rapid test.

However the tournament organizers request he wear a mask for the whole game, which hhe declined, saying being forced to wear it in the circumstance was against his principles.

As a result, he lost his match against Anish Giri.

I want to hear thoughts about this very interesting occurrence. Surrounding it is opinions about Covid, which is inseparable from this conversation, so I hope that a positive and focused discussion can take place about more information on this unusual and significant turn of events, as I am intrigued and wonder what other information people have on this.

Mask mandate has no Sense. Healthy AND young people having fear of covid Is insane

I think the chess community is smart and as long a there is uninhibited access to information- good choices can be made. when it comes to tournaments especially this situation with Dobov is inspirational in the sense that there are two sides to everybody's story just like there are entities that see that progress can only come from freedom to discuss things. Obviously if people detract from the spirit of the situation- then authorities can interpose, but for the purpose of progress. Like great GM's say "activity above all" because it's with open discussion that we can conclude things.

Today another forfeit loss of Dubov against Rapport.

Ah, ha! And he tested positive for covid on his PCR test. I hope he has an easy recovery, but I also hope he takes safety protocols seriously in the future instead of trying to inspire others to flout said protocols.

...... seriously? Many young friends of mine, perfectly healthy, have gotten covid. Also SmallerCircles, I heard that he didnt get covid on his pcr test? let me check again. After Search: It seems he did get covid