After Hans Niemann defeated the World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen in the third round of the Sinquefield Cup 2022, Carlsen decided to withdraw from the tournament without detailed explanations. Rumors that Magnus Carlsen suspected Niemann was cheating started spreading over social medias and Hikaru Nakamura claimed in his live stream that Niemann has done “unallowed things” during the online chess tournaments. Possible reasons of Magnus Carlsen’s withdrawal can be found here. Sinquefield Cup improved anti-cheating measures and Carlsen’s results got annulled. Niemann decided to tell his truth after the 5th round and he confessed cheating in random chesscom games, adding that he will not let chesscom, Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura slander his reputation. Nakamura reacted to Niemann’s interview, while chess.com posted the official statement to explain why they removed Hans Niemann from the platform.
Garry Kasparov called Carlsen’s withdrawal as an act with no precedent in the past 50 years, adding today that chess.com’s ban of Hans Niemann prompted Carlsen’s withdrawal and the cheating allegations against the American: “Apparently chess.com has banned the young American player who beat Carlsen, which prompted his withdrawal and the cheating allegations. Again, unless the chess world is to be dragged down into endless pathetic rumors, clear statements must be made. Creating favor and factions based on hearsay and cryptic bullshit is damaging to the game. These players, especially the world champion, and companies should realize that. Sponsors and organizers don’t enjoy the toxic environment as much as social media might“, posted Kasparov on his official twitter account.
Read more: Elon Musk commented on accusations towards Hans Niemann / Susan Polgar about Niemann – Carlsen case: The professional reputation of many parties is at stake
