Banned Chess Grandmaster Kramnik Calls for Hikaru’s Suspension for Comparable Conduct

Controversial Chess Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik has been banned from competing on Chess.com after publicly accusing one of his opponents of cheating. In a bold move, he also called for fellow player Hikaru Nakamura to face a similar suspension.

Kramnik secured second place in the September 24 edition of Titled Tuesday, a weekly event hosted by Chess.com, and he took to social media to accuse two opponents in the tournament of cheating.

In response to Kramnik’s public allegations, the online chess tournament organizer issued a one-month suspension, citing a violation of its Community Policy. This information was revealed in a screenshot of the email that Kramnik posted himself.

“Given that we notified you of similar misconduct in last week’s Late Titled Tuesday (September 17, 2024), your actions today represent a second violation of our policy,” stated Michael Szklanny, Director of Event Operations at Chess.com, in the email.

In the wake of his suspension, Kramnik urged the organizer to take action against Nakamura for alleged similar behavior, asserting that he possesses “documented proof” that the Grandmaster and streamer accused a player of cheating during a Titled Tuesday event, and has made numerous other public accusations.

Vladimir Kramnik in an interview with Chess.com — Chess.com

Kramnik has been vocally critical of Chess.com and Nakamura for an extended period.

Previously, Kramnik accused others of cheating, notably targeting Nakamura during a time when the streamer was enjoying a remarkable winning streak online.

“Since you banned me from playing on covercheating.com, which I didn’t intend to do, I assume you will impose a similar sanction concerning the face of the platform, representing your values,” Kramnik expressed via social media.

Therefore since you ban me to play on covercheating.com, which I didn’t plan to do, I suppose you will do the same concerning the face of the platform, representing your values. Wish your efforts ruining the integrity of the game will fail Vladimir

— Vladimir Kramnik (@VBkramnik) September 25, 2024

The Grandmaster has garnered increasing controversy for his allegations against Nakamura, critiquing Chess.com for supposedly turning a blind eye to cheating, mentoring Hans Niemann, and participating in events focused on anti-cheating measures.

This is also Kramnik’s second suspension from Chess.com, having previously faced a ban earlier this year for impersonating another Grandmaster.

As of now, Hikaru has not publicly responded to these allegations. He recently achieved second place in the same Titled Tuesday tournament on September 24, falling short against Magnus Carlsen for the title.

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