The revelations about the allegations of cheating against Hans Niemann are the subject of heated debate in the chess scene. A Swiss expert even complained about “media agitation” in this context.
The “Hans Niemann case” has literally stirred up the sport of chess. After the allegations by world champion Magnus Carlsen, the focus was on the American.
The chess online site “chess.com” came in its investigation (Here is the original document) came to the conclusion that Niemann is said to have resorted to unauthorized computer support in many cases.
“The Niemann case is certainly closed, the 19-year-old American convicts, right?” asked the Swiss chess champion Richard Forster in an article for the “The New Zurich Times” and gave the answer himself: “Wrong. You don’t have to read between the lines, it’s enough to take the 20-page report (with a 52-page appendix) at face value to understand that the media hate speech is in no way legitimized by the report.”
Before the revelations, Niemann had already admitted to having used computer help during a game once when he was 12 and once when he was 16.
“According to the list of ‘chess.com’, Niemann demonstrably cheated in eleven events, which is more than his confession suggested,” Forster evaluated the latest results: “Contrary to his claims, some of these were tournaments with prize money . That doesn’t reflect well on the American, but it’s not a stunning revelation either.” After all, “chess.com” “essentially confirmed and proved what was already known,” said the Swiss.
Chess expert: Carlsen’s “vigilante justice” not justified
The chess expert explained: “Since his ban in August 2020 and subsequent return, no online tournament in which he cheated has been tracked down.”
Even if Niemann “lost a lot of credibility through his sins in online chess”, Magnus Carlsen’s “boycott and vigilantism” are “in no way justified” according to Forster.
In mid-September, the chess world champion gave up a game at the Julius Baer Generation Cup against Niemann after just one move in protest. In addition, the Norwegian had accused his competitor of fraud on Twitter.
“If you really want to improve the fight against fraud, you need a better understanding of statistics and a clean, efficient, open and fair procedure for suspected cases,” demanded Forster.