Hans Niemann vows “vengeance” against Magnus Carlsen in chess grudge match

Hans Niemann has vowed to seek “revenge”against Magnus Carlsen in an upcoming chess match. The two are scheduled to face each other once again, years after the infamous cheating scandal that brought them both into the spotlight.

Niemann and Carlsen have not had a significant encounter in a chess match since 2022, following accusations made by the Norwegian Grandmaster. On September 4, 2022, Carlsen accused Niemann of cheating in the Sinquefield Cup.

Niemann ultimately withdrew from the event and subsequently made allegations of cheating against the player. However, FIDE, the global authority for chess, released a report stating that there was insufficient evidence to support Niemann’s claims.

Despite the allegations against Niemann, the two faced each other again just days later in a Champions Chess Tour match, during which Carlsen resigned after only three moves.

Ever since, Carlsen has been deliberately avoiding facing the American player in any competitions. Recently, there was a chance for the two to play against each other at the World Blitz Team Championship, but Carlsen made the decision to compete against a different opponent when their teams were matched up.

Following Carlsen’s triumph against Arjun Erigaisi and Niemann’s success over Wesley So at the 2024 Speed Chess Championship, the stage is now set for an intense rematch between the two players.

After defeating So, Niemann used his post-match interview as an opportunity to publicly address Chess.com and Magnus, in anticipation of their upcoming rematch.

You have ran but now you can’t hide

— Hans Niemann (@HansMokeNiemann) August 8, 2024

“Despite the defamatory actions of the Chess.com monopoly and mafia, I am choosing to let my chess skills speak for themselves. I have confidence that throughout my career, it will become evident that an apology is owed to me. However, I do not see myself as a victim and therefore do not require an apology,”he stated.

My triumph will come in the form of vengeance on the chessboard.

Despite facing accusations and a report from chess.com stating that he cheated in numerous online matches, Niemann continues to face intense scrutiny from the chess community at events.

After defeating Erigaisi, Carlsen responded to Niemann hours later, stating that he had already addressed the allegations and the resulting drama.

In regards to Niemann’s statements, he stated, “There is nothing particularly new or unexpected.”He also mentioned that he has already shared his thoughts on camera for an upcoming documentary. He acknowledged that Niemann is playing well, but he believes that if he has a good day, he will likely win without much difficulty.

The scheduled match between the two will take place in person on September 6 in Paris, unless there are any alterations or rejections to participate from either party. They will face each other in the main event of the 2024 Speed Chess Championship.