Climate activists dump coal, chain themselves to gates as protest delays Tata Steel Chess start

The Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee was disrupted by controversial delays: the start was pushed back by an hour and 30 minutes due to climate protests. Climate activists belonging to Extinction Rebellion reportedly dumped 2025 kgs of coal outside the entrance of the venue, with a huge banner which stated ‘No Chess on a Dead Planet’. The protestors also chained themselves to the gates on the first day. Tata Steel’s Dutch branch is facing a lawsuit in the Netherlands due to alleged health damage caused by emissions.

The organisers, in consultation with local authorities, decided to postpone the start of play due to the protests.