Play naked if you want, says chess player accused of cheating

American chess player Hans Niemann, 19, admitted in an interview that he cheated at online chess events twice during his teenage years. After defeating the world champion of the category, the Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, Niemann is accused of breaking the rules again.

To the Saint Louis Chess Club, in the USA, Niemann denied having cheated against the world champion. “I play naked if you want. I don’t care because I know I’m clean.”

Earlier this month, Niemann beat Carlsen in a tournament in the United States. Shortly after the setback, the Norwegian decided to withdraw from the tournament, raising suspicions against his opponent.

Posted on Twitter (see below), Carlsen wrote: “I withdrew from the tournament. I have always enjoyed playing at @STLChessClub and hope to return in the future.” The tweet also included a well-known video of football coach José Mourinho saying: “If I speak up, I’m in big trouble.”

I’ve withdrawn from the tournament. I’ve always enjoyed playing in the @STLChessCluband hope to be back in the future https://t.co/YFSpl8er3u

— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) September 5, 2022

“See my hero [Carlsen] trying to ruin my reputation, ruining my chess career and doing it in such a frivolous way is very, very disappointing,” he added.

Last Monday (19), the two chess players faced each other again in an online duel. However, shortly after Carlsen made his first move on the board, the Norwegian abandoned the game (see below) without giving explanations.

Another shocker as @MagnusCarlsen simply resigns on move 2 vs. @HansMokeNiemann! https://t.co/2fpx8lplTI#ChessChamps #JuliusBaerGenerationCup pic.twitter.com/5PO7kdZFOZ

— chess24.com (@chess24com) September 19, 2022

(Posted by Lucas Schroeder)