By now it is common knowledge that world chess champion Magnus Carlsen, 32, a Norwegian grandmaster, ceased participating in the Sinquefield Cup tournament because he felt that American grandmaster Hans Niemann, 19, had cheated in their game.
Niemann admitted that he had cheated previously in online games, when he was 12, and 16, but claimed that he had never cheated in face-to-face chess. The story made headlines worldwide and the World Chess Federation (FIDE) ordered an investigation. Shortly after, Chess.com, a hugely popular chess server and website, published a statement with statistics which demonstrated that Niemann had cheated in over 100 online games. The document also included data which indicated that Niemann’s development and successes in over-the-board play were also unusual.
Following the US Championships this month, Niemann sued Carlsen, Chess.com and others for slander, libel, an unlawful boycott and tortious interference in Niemann’s business for at least US$100 million. The reputable publication Chess Base, quoted Carlsen’s lawyer as saying: “Hans Niemann has an admitted history of cheating and his lawsuit is nothing more than an attempt to deflect blame onto others. His legal claims are without merit and we will vigorously defend against them.”
Icelandic grandmaster Hjorvar Gretarsson, a lawyer by profession, described Niemann’s claim as “stupid. This high demand makes no sense.” Gretarsson does not believe Niemann can win the case. The outcome of this case is expected to be very interesting.
Chess game
White: Michael Basman
Black: Mikhail Tal
Event: Hastings 1973/74, Hastings, England
Type of Game: Bird’s Opening
1. f4 d6 2. Nf3 g6 3. g3 Bg7 4. Bg2 Nf6 5. c4 O-O 6. Nc3 c6 7. O-O d5 8. cxd5 cxd5 9. e3 Nc6 10. Ne2 Qd6 11. Qa4 Bd7 12. Qa3 Nb4 13. Ned4 a5 14. d3 Ng4 15. Bd2 e5 16. fxe5 Nxe5
17. Nxe5 Bxe5 18. Qb3 Nc6 19. Nb5 a4 20. Qxd5 Qe7 21. Nc3 Nb4 22. Qxb7 Rab8 23. Qa7 Nxd3 24. Nd5 Qe6 25. Bc3 Bb5 26. Nc7 Bxc7 27. Qxc7 a3 28. Rxf7 Rxf7 29. Qxb8+ Be8
30. Bd4 axb2 31. Rd1 Nf2 32. Rf1 Nd3 33. Rxf7 Qxf7 34. Bd5 b1=Q+ 35. Qxb1 Qxd5 36. Qxd3 Qxa2 37. Qe4 Bb5 38. g4 Qc4 39. Qa8+ Kf7 40. Qf3+ Ke8 41. Qa8+ Kd7. ½-½. Draw.
