Ilya Smirin: Chess commentator sacked for sexist comments during match
Source: BBC
Ilya Smirin: Chess commentator sacked for sexist comments during match
By Francesca Gillett
BBC News
28 September 2022
A chess commentator has been sacked by the International Chess Federation for making sexist comments.
Ilya Smirin was broadcasting live during the ninth round of the Women's Grand Prix on Tuesday.
The Israeli grandmaster admitted on air he had said chess is "maybe not for women" - and also seemingly praised a woman for playing like a man.
He later told the BBC he did not want to hurt anyone and he loves and respects both chess and women.
Belarusian-born Mr Smirin - who was once ranked one of the world's top 20 players - was making his debut as an English-language commentator in Astana, Kazakhstan.
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Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-63062092
(FIDE Chess/YouTube)