The straw that broke the camel’s back

• Сёстры Музычук отправились в Батуми в новый поход за шахматную корону. Хоу Ифань участвовать отказалась | The Muzychuk sisters in Batumi to re-establish their claim on the Women’s World Chess Championship. 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) has refused to participate, rus.newsru.ua, April 20, 2016

However, [in Batumi] there is an absence that overshadows any other presence. The current Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) declined any further participation in the Women’s Grand Prix series. Her decision is due to various reasons. First, as we already reported, 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) addressed to FIDE various proposals for changing the Women’s World Chess Championship format. All of them were ignored or turned down. It was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. Furthermore, she doesn’t feel any motivation anymore. Unfortunately, Mariya Muzychuk, who could have motivated her, has lost neatly the Women’s World Chess Championship match. So 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) felt tired to play and win with the women. But what will be her ultimate decision? If the Chinese government decides that the Women’s World Chess Champion title is of national interest, they could put 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) under severe pressure. [Read more].