Canadian Grandmaster Anton Kovalyov failed to turn up for his third round clash against Maxim Rodshtein of Israel at the Chess World Cup on Saturday. His absence resulted in a forfeiture giving his opponent a walkover.

According to reports, Kovalyov was present at the venue prior to the match, but is said to have left after organisers did not approve of his attire. The Canadian had arrived at the venue wearing shorts.

European Chess Union president Zurab Azmaiparashvili told ChessBase India that he asked the Grandmaster to change as it did not meet the dress code of the World Cup.

Incidentally, Kovalyov had worn shorts while facing former world champion Viswanathan Anand in the second round.

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The Canadian had dumped out the Indian Grandmaster in the second round as he won one game and drew the other. Anand needed to reach the final of the World Cup to qualify for the Candidates tournament, the winner of which goes on to challenge the reigning champion - Magnus Carlsen.

Vidit Gujrathi and SP Sethuraman have kept the Indian challenge alive at the event.