Magnus Carlsen publicly accuses Hans Niemann of cheating

Magnus Carlsen has broken his silence on the scandal that has rocked chess by accusing Hans Niemann of cheating more – and more recently – than he has publicly admitted.

The world champion also questioned Niemann’s stellar rise over the past year calling it “unusual”, and admitted he was also suspicious of the 19-year-old American’s mannerisms when he lost to him with the black pieces at the Sinquefield Cup early this month.

Carlsen said this led him to pull out of a tournament for the first time in his career – and last week the Norwegian stunned the sport again by resigning an online game after just one move against the same opponent.

Until Monday evening, Carlsen had commented only cryptically on the situation. But in a tweeted statement, the Norwegian made his feelings clear.

“When Niemann was invited last minute to the 2022 Sinquefield Cup, I strongly considered withdrawing prior to the event,” he revealed. “I ultimately chose to play. I believe that Niemann has cheated more – and more recently – than he has publicly admitted.

“His over-the-board progress has been unusual, and throughout our game in the Sinquefield Cup I had the impression that he wasn’t tense or even fully concentrating on the game in critical positions, while outplaying me as black in a way I only think a handful of players can do. This game contributed to changing my perspective.”

After Niemann’s victory against Carlsen, he had said that “by some ridiculous miracle” he had guessed what his opponent’s unusual opening would be and prepared for it. “It must be embarrassing for the world champion to lose to me,” Niemann said. “I feel bad for him.”

While Niemann has admitted cheating in online events, as a 12- and 16-year-old, he has vociferously