Nigel Davies, “If Carlsen does not speak soon, the FIDE Ethics Commission should act”

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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 each day brings new theories on the case. Just today New allegations on Niemann – Carlsen case that Hans Niemann performs much better with live DGT boards emerged. But GM Nigel Davies has another take on the story, asking for direct and quick action to minimize damage in chess. And if needed, GM Davies asks the FIDE Ethics Commission to act. Here is his interview for Chessdom.com

You are well know for having strong positions always backed by serious facts and proof. What is your take on the ongoing Magnus Carlsen – Hans Niemann cheating allegations scandal? You posted a suggestion how to deal with it on Twitter. Can you explain the process for the audience? Are there alternative approaches?

It’s very damaging to the game and needs to be resolved.

Above all there needs to be a process which is clear and consistent. Although initially there were just hints that cheating might have taken place, allowing damaging rumours to continue should be interpreted as a clear indication of what was meant. In the absence of hard evidence that cheating took place it should be counted as a ‘false accusation’, as was the Solozhenkin case some years back. At the same time there should also be a final opportunity for clarification.

So here's how Nigel the Pitiless would handle the current chess fiasco: Suspend Magnus Carlsen pending either:

1) A clear statement that he wasn't making an accusation, or
2) Hard evidence of cheating actually having occurred.

Problem solved, who's got the balls to do it?

— GM Nigel Davies (@GMNigelDavies) September 11, 2022

See the timetable of happenings related to Carlsen’s withdrawal from the event:

Date	News
5-Sep	BREAKING: Magnus Carlsen withdraws from the Sinquefield Cup 2022
5-Sep	Possible reasons of Magnus Carlsen’s withdrawal from the Sinquefield Cup 2022
5-Sep	Hans Niemann was thoroughly checked before the fourth round of the Sinquefield Cup (VIDEO)
5-Sep	Sinquefield Cup’s players and organizers react to Carlsen’s withdrawal from the tournament
5-Sep	Hans Niemann R4 post-game interview: At least I got to beat Magnus Carlsen before he left
6-Sep	Sinquefield Cup 2022 improves anti-cheating measures after Carlsen’s withdrawal
6-Sep	Fabiano Caruana: Can’t wait to hear more about the Hans effect on The Magnus Effect
6-Sep	Reactions to Magnus Carlsen’s withdrawal from the Sinquefield Cup 2022
6-Sep	Niemann’s emotional confession R5 post-game interview: I cheated in random games on chess.com and this was the biggest mistake in my life
7-Sep	Reactions to Hans Niemann’s interview
7-Sep	Hans Niemann: I’d like to see what Nakamura has to say now
8-Sep	Hans Niemann R6 post-game interview: The silence of my critics speaks for itself
8-Sep	Elon Musk comments on accusations towards Hans Niemann
8-Sep	Garry Kasparov about Carlsen’s withdrawal: It’s an act with no precedent in the past 50 years
9-Sep	Chess.com explains its decision to remove Hans Niemann from the platform in the official statement
9-Sep	Daniel Rensch about chess.com’s statement: This tweet speaks for itself
9-Sep	Hikaru Nakamura reacts to Hans Niemann’s interview
9-Sep	Susan Polgar about Niemann – Carlsen case: The professional reputation of many parties is at stake
9-Sep	Garry Kasparov: Unless the chess world is to be dragged down into endless pathetic rumors, clear statements must be made
9-Sep	Niemann keeps analyzing his game with MVL while getting checked with the anti-cheating device (VIDEO)
9-Sep	Hans Niemann R7 post-game interview: It is absolutely ridiculous to play chess under these conditions
10-Sep	Hikaru Nakamura and Daniel Naroditsky speak about cheating in chess
10-Sep	Hans Niemann’s fans gather in front of the Saint Louis Chess Club
10-Sep	Sinquefield Cup Chief Arbiter’s statement: We have no indication that any player has been playing unfairly in the Sinquefield Cup 2022
11-Sep	New allegations within Niemann – Carlsen case: Hans Niemann performs much better with live DGT boards

This is not the only cheating allegations scandal in chess, rather a repeating story. Some allegations without proof were punished, like the Solozhenkin case you mention, others like Topalov’s allegations against Kramnik were not. We have precedents in both directions.

In every case there should be a clear and consistent process to follow. 

Do you believe Carlsen will make a statement by the end of the tournament?

I don’t know, but if he doesn’t make one soon the issue should be taken up by the Ethics Commission. 

You have strong and clear opinions on topics, but you are also a fantastic author. Recently we had a look at 10 ways to get better in chess  What next can we expect next from you?

I don’t currently have any books planned, though I continue to work on improving my tigerchess.com site.