The chess dispute goes to the next round. Hans Niemann files a defamation lawsuit against Magnus Carlsen. How does the world champion react?
The chess scandal between Hans Niemann and Magnus Carlsen is entering the next round. According to media reports, the 19-year-old American has filed a lawsuit against Norwegian world champion Carlsen for defamation.
Niemann is demanding at least 100 million dollars (around 102 million euros) in damages because of the allegations of fraud against him, the reports said. The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in the US state of Missouri. It is directed, among other things, against the Internet portal Chess.com.
Ekalt at the Sinquefield Cup
Niemann is at the center of a scandal that has rocked the chess world since September. At the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis, the Norwegian superstar Carlsen surprisingly lost to Niemann and withdrew from a tournament for the first time in his career. The chess scene interpreted Carlsen’s exit as an allegation of fraud against Niemann.
In an interview during the cup, Niemann then admitted to having cheated twice as a teenager in online games, but never in person at the chessboard. The 31-year-old Carlsen then accused Niemann in a statement of having cheated more often and in the recent past. A Chess.com investigative report in early October suggested that Niemann may have cheated in more than 100 online games, including prize money tournaments.
Niemann accuses the accused of forming an alliance to destroy his reputation and his livelihood. Chess.com rejected the allegations in US media. Carlsen didn’t respond at first.
Source: Stern
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