Chess grandmaster Niemann 'likely cheated' in over 100 games: Leading chess website

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - American chess grandmaster Hans Moke Niemann has "likely cheated" in more than 100 times, according to a fresh investigation released by a leading chess website.

"Overall, we have found that Hans has likely cheated in more than 100 online chess games, including several prize money events. He was already 17 when he likely cheated in some of these matches and games. He was also streaming in 25 of these games," online platform Chess.com said in a statement.

According to the full investigation, which was made public on Tuesday, Niemann, currently 19 years old, likely cheated as recently as 2020.

The report added that Niemann's improvement in the game has been statistically extraordinary.

"Looking purely at rating, Hans should be classified as a member of this group of top young players. While we don't doubt that Hans is a talented player, we note that his results are statistically extraordinary," it added.

Norwegian world chess champion Magnus Carlsen withdrew from the Sinquefield Cup in the US on Sept. 5, following his surprise defeat to Niemann, who was a home favorite.

Five-time world champ Carlsen abruptly quit the event and later suggested that the 19-year-old Niemann had cheated.

Niemann has denied any wrongdoing in an in-person game, though admitted to cheating in non-competitive online clashes when he was younger.