After losing his game of round 5 from the US Chess Championship, GM Christopher Yoo destroyed his scoresheet, stormed out of the playing hall, “and struck a videographer from behind”. The Saint Louis chess club and the organizers of the US Championship did not approve of the reaction of Christopher Yoo and expelled him from the US Championship. See the full Christopher Yoo story here
IA Chris Bird, who was arbiter of the match Yoo – Caruana, clarifies, “The videographer was not at fault, nobody approached Yoo as he left the playing room, the punch was completely unprovoked, from behind and in no way accidental”
IA Chris Bird acted professionally as arbiter in a difficult situation during the Yoo – Caruana game. He has been completely transparent on the topic, as much as the current investigation allows him. Earlier he said, “Today will go down as a very sad day in the history of US Chess Championships.” He added, “For those asking this question, yes the games will still be submitted for rating. For those asking the more important question, yes the victim appeared to be OK as of last night and is surrounded by friends and receiving the support she needs.”
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