Magnus Carlsen says won't play against 'cheat' Hans Niemann

World champion finally explains why he pulled out of match versus AmericanPUNE: Magnus Carlsen's reasons why he feels that Hans Niemann cheats: "unusual" progress in over-the-board chess, the 19-year-old world No. 49 American "wasn't tense or concentrating on the game at critical points" during his classical win over the Norwegian earlier this month. Carlsen's statement on twitter on Monday night puts a spotlight on his two other beliefs: "that Niemann cheated more (than what he has confessed) and more recently", and only a handful of players can outplay him with black pieces the way Niemann did at St Louis.

It's over to Niemann now to respond. If he sues the world champion, it will be a long-drawn battle. And if he attacks Carlsen verbally, there will be mud thrown at each other by various powerful parties including online leaks and private data. Plus, the teenager needs invitations to private tournaments to keep his career financially sustainable. The world No. 1 also knows that he is walking on thin ice. Hence he stated: "Hope that the truth of the matter comes out whatever that may be."

The statement, expectedly, is full of zugzwang. Carlsen says he doesn't want to play against players who cheated repeatedly "and don't know what they are capable of doing in the future". He specifically states he is not willing to play against Niemann. And at the same time, he says "without explicit permission of Niemann", there is a limit to what he can say. The Carlsen-induced cheating saga also puts the spotlight on the parallel power centres (online platforms). The world champion's over-confidence and his one-sided inferences are also apparent. Niemann developing high-quality endgame skills during the pandemic break and beating