Levon Aronian, “Young people should understand that terrible decisions leave a lasting impact”
After losing his game of round 5 from the US Chess Championship, GM Christopher Yoo destroyed his scoresheet, stormed out of the playing hall, “and struck a videographer from behind”. The Saint Louis chess club and the organizers of the US Championship did not approve of the reaction of Christopher Yoo and expelled him from the US Championship.
As of now Christopher Yoo is banned from the Saint Louis Chess Club, suspended from the US Chess Federation, with 4th degree charges by the Saint Louis police, and shocking information continues to come.
Timeline of the Christopher Yoo case
16.10.2024 Christopher Yoo – Fabiano Caruana round 5 game
16.10.2024 Christopher Yoo is expelled from the US Championship and banned from St Louis Chess Club
17.10.2024 Chris Bird, “The punch by Christopher Yoo was completely unprovoked, from behind and in no way accidental”
17.10.2024 USCF suspends Christopher Yoo
17.10.2024 WICF with a statement on the assault of a videographer by GM Christopher Yoo
17.10.2024 Christopher Yoo is charged with fourth-degree assault by the St. Louis police
17.10.2024 Levon Aronian: Christopher Yoo’s punch was well prepared against an innocent person
18.10.2024 Vasif Durarbayli on the Christopher Yoo case
18.10.2024 Chris Bird: To anyone saying Christopher Yoo was somehow provoked by the victim, stop it
Ivan Sokolov and Levon Aronian had an interesting exchange on Twitter/X. “Top sport produces excessive adrenaline. Excessive anger (mostly only at yourself), induces not being able to control your immediate emotions/deeds. In such situation you just want to get ‘ hell out of there’. Probably what Yoo wanted. Punishment is drakonian & hugely excessive!” However, he was not acquainted with the details, and Levon Aronian informed him that Christopher Yoo’s punch was well prepared against an innocent person.
Ivan Sokolov said, “In my 50 years in chess, I cannot recall anything similar (at top level event). I hope video will be published (though legal issues may prevent it). Boy is only 17. My assumption is he did under extreme anger at himself that does not excuse his action” Levon Aronian answered him, “I pray for the young people to understand that terrible decisions leave a lasting impact , and to try and mend the wounds is by being honest and humble.Chess is a game for gentlemen and women who play and work with us should only get respect and encouragement.”