India, March 3 -- Uzbek GM Nodirbek Yakubboev avoided controversy at the Prague Chess Festival 2025, by greeting Indian opponent Divya Deshmukh with a 'Namaste' gesture. Unlike the Tata Masters, Nodirbek decided to not take any risk this time, at the start of this third-round match with Divya.

Nodirbek courted controversy in Wijk aan Zee in his Round 4 game against Vaishali Rameshbabu, in the Challengers' Section. He was late for his game and then on turning up, ignored and snubbed the customary handshake, offered by her. But she had the last laugh and defeated him in a game where he tactically overpowered her opponent, who forgot to look after his weakened king.

After his defeat, he ignored her again and left in an awkward manner. Afte...