CNN
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World chess champion Magnus Carlsen released a statement on Monday confirming his allegations of cheating against rival and chess grandmaster Hans Niemann.
The statement made by a twitter postfollows Carlsen’s recent withdrawal from the 2022 Sinquefield Cup in Saint Louis following his third-round loss to Niemann and his withdrawal against the American after making just one move during the Julius Baer Generation Cup on September 20.
Carlsen had previously made no explicit allegations of fraud against Niemann, who denies any wrongdoing.
In the statement, Carlsen said: “When Niemann was invited to the Sinquefield Cup 2022 at the last minute, I strongly considered withdrawing before the event. I finally decided to play.
“I believe that Niemann has cheated more – and lately – than he has publicly admitted. His progress across the board was unusual and during our game at the Sinquefield Cup I got the impression that he wasn’t tense in critical positions or even fully focused on the game while he outplayed me as Black in a way I loved only believe a handful of players can do this.
“This game helped change my perspective.”
Carlsen said he believes “cheating in chess is a big deal and an existential threat to the game,” and that “chess organizers and anyone who cares about the sanctity of the game we love should seriously consider it pull to increase security measures and cheating detection methods for over-the-board chess.”
Over-the-board chess is played face-to-face, not online. Carlsen gave no details on how Niemann could have cheated.
Carlsen added that he has no intention of playing someone who has repeatedly cheated in the past because he “doesn’t know what he’s capable of in the future,” before explaining why he hasn’t spoken publicly yet have.
“At this point I am limited in what I can say without Niemann’s express permission to speak openly,” said the 31-year-old Norwegian.
“So far I’ve only been able to speak with my actions, and these actions have made it clear that I’m not ready to play chess with Niemann. I hope the truth on this matter will come out, whatever it may be.”
Carlsen’s statement is the latest twist in a saga that has consumed the chess world since his loss to Niemann and subsequent retirement from the Sinquefield Cup.
On Friday, in a statement, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) chided Carlsen for retiring from the match against Niemann after just one move, but added that he understood the world No. 1’s “deep concern at the damage, the cheating.” inflicts on chess,” share.
FIDE also said in the statement: “We strongly believe that there are better ways to deal with this situation.”
Days after the Sinquefield Cup match, Niemann publicly responded to allegations that he had cheated earlier in his chess career. The 19-year-old admitted to cheating at ages 12 and 16, but said in an interview with the St. Louis Chess Club that he had never cheated at over-the-board games.
“I tell my truth because I don’t want any misrepresentation,” said Niemann. “I am proud of myself that I learned from this mistake and have now given everything to chess. I sacrificed everything for chess.”
Carlsen won the Julius Baer Generation Cup despite his retirement against Niemann.