FIDE has relaxed the dress code requirements for the blitz championship.

"I have decided to try an approach that provides greater flexibility for FIDE officials when making decisions regarding appropriate attire," noted Dvorkovich.

He emphasized that players are still required to adhere to the established dress code, but now minor "elegant deviations" are permitted, such as jeans that match a blazer.

Dvorkovich expressed hope that participants would not abuse the relaxed rules and would not undermine the festive spirit of the tournament on the eve of the New Year.

On December 28, FIDE disqualified Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen for violating the dress code at a rapid tournament. The judge fined the chess player $200 for appearing in jeans and demanded that he change.

Carlsen refused to comply and withdrew from the championship, later stating that he was "tired" of FIDE and did not intend to continue his association with the organization. After the announcement of the relaxed dress code rules, Carlsen stated that he would participate in the blitz tournament, but would again be wearing jeans.

In the men's rapid chess tournament, 18-year-old Russian chess player Volodar Murzin emerged victorious, while Indian chess player Hampi Koneru won in the women's category.