Danya

Daniel Naroditsky has passed away. I’ve never been a pro chess player, but I do follow some of the fun ones, and occasionally Magnus. I like Fabi a lot, but my all-time favorite is Hikaru. Danya was my favorite commentator. Someone who was so fun to watch explaining complex positions. I think he was indeed, if not the best, one of the best at it.

The occasion is grim. However, let’s remember the immense pressure he was under. Let’s remember how he was accused of cheating by Kramnik many, many times. By a former world champion. Someone who has accused many and has ruined their lives for no reason. The likes of Hikaru!

The problem is that Hikaru kind of went out of his way and cast doubt on Hans in the past. I don’t know how to relate to any of these now. I do think this is some stupid, sad consequence that these baseless accusations have. All players have their exceptionally good days, and many many bad days. These accusations make no sense.

I do think Danya went under so much pressure from these allegations, though. I don’t know if he ever cheated or not, but like, what’s the point now? He is gone. He’ll never be back.

I don’t know what the cause was, but I hope he didn’t take his own life. I don’t know how the world will ever forgive FIDE or Kramnik for this. This bullying in plain sight is just brutal.

Rest in peace, Danya. I don’t think the community ever forgets your amazing commentaries, and what a vibrant and nice character you were.

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torsocks curl -fSLO http://fjthpp2h3mj2rup25r3psmqamutnkbvxbpltlohdthw6fscgo3t6bpad.onion/sources/posts/danya.md
torsocks curl -fSLO http://fjthpp2h3mj2rup25r3psmqamutnkbvxbpltlohdthw6fscgo3t6bpad.onion/sources/posts/danya.md.asc
gpg --verify danya.md.asc danya.md