The chess world has been rocked by allegations of cheating by the game’s leading player | So Good News

The delicate world of chess has been rocked by allegations of cheating by the game’s leading player.

Magnus Carlsen, the world champion and considered one of the greatest players of all time, posted a message on Twitter in which he believed that his 19-year-old American rival, Hans Niemann, “cheated more than he showed and cheated recently.” admitted.”

Carlsen lost to Niemann at the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis two weeks ago, and Carlsen withdrew from the tournament.

The Norwegian left last week’s online Julius Baer Generation Cup against Niemann after making just one move.

Nieman is not tense enough, says Carlsen

“His progress on the boards has been extraordinary,” Carlsen wrote of Niemann on Twitter Monday night, “and during our game in the Sinquefield Cup I got the impression that he wasn’t tense, or even completely oblivious to the game. In critical positions, I was just a little I think players can do, play me back as black.

“This game helped change my perspective.”

Carlsen offered no evidence that Niemann had cheated.

Carlsen wrote: “I want to say more. “Unfortunately, I’m limited in what I can say right now without permission from Niemann.”

Carlsen added, “I don’t want to play chess with Niemann.”

Niemann previously admitted to cheating when he played online chess at ages 12 and 16, but denied cheating on the board.

International Chess Federation ‘deeply concerned’

“We have to do something against cheating,” Carlsen said, “and for my part, I don’t want to play against people who have cheated several times before, because I don’t know what they can do in the future.”

International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement released Friday — three days before Carlsen was charged — that the governing body shares Carlsen’s “deep concern about the damage cheating has done to chess” and is ready to investigate the incidents. Adequate primary evidence is provided.”

Commenting on Carlsen’s behavior in leaving the game after one move, Dvorković added: “We strongly believe that his status as world champion carries a moral responsibility as he is seen as a global ambassador for the game.

“His actions will affect the reputation of his colleagues, the results of the sport and may ultimately harm our game. We strongly believe that there are better ways to handle this situation.”

Niemann has yet to publicly respond to Carlsen’s allegations.