By Edet Ikotidem
World chess champion Magnus Carlsen has openly accused teammate Hans Niemann of cheating for the first time.
In a statement, he said he believed Mr. Niemann had cheated “more – and more recently – than he has publicly admitted”, although he offered no evidence.
Carlsen previously made veiled allegations against Niemann, who beat him in a big upset earlier this month.
Niemann, 19, denied cheating in competitive chess and accused Carlsen of trying to ruin his career.
The teenager admitted to cheating twice online when he was 12 and 16, but strongly denied ever cheating on any level, even saying he was willing to perform naked as a show of goodwill. The scandal began earlier this month after Mr. Carlsen, considered by many to be the greatest player of all time, was beaten by Mr. Niemann in the Sinquefield Cup, ending a streak of 53 games unbeaten in classical chess.
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He then left the tournament with six rounds to go, later tweeting a clip of football manager José Mourinho saying: “If I talk I’m in big trouble.”
Last week the two met again in an online tournament, but Mr. Carlsen resigned after making a single gesture – an apparent protest against Mr. Niemann’s participation.
Mr. Carlsen won the tournament and later said he would say more about the scandal, adding he wanted ‘cheating in chess to be dealt with seriously.
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In a statement posted to Twitter on Monday evening, Mr. Carlsen said: “I’m frustrated. I want to continue playing chess at the highest level in the best events. ”
He continued: “I believe that cheating in chess is a big deal and an existential threat to the game. I also believe that chess organizers and anyone who cares about the sanctity of the game we love should seriously consider implementing it. security measures and cheat detection methods for over-the-board chess.
“I think Niemann has cheated more – and more recently – than he has publicly admitted.”
