Picture Credit: Twitter
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen has agreed to play Hans Niemann in future games if they are paired together. Earlier, Carlsen had accused Niemann of cheating during the Sinquefield Cup in September last year, as he resigned after just one move. Since then, a series of accusations from Carlsen and publicly refusing to play Niemann followed. Now, after a report from Chess.com, Carlsen has agreed to play Niemann in future matches as there is “no determinative evidence.”
Niemann had admitted to cheating in an interview after the controversy, but not in the one against Carlsen. He maintained that he played a fair game against Carlsen, which has now been proven.
“I acknowledge and understand Chess.com’s report, including its statement that there is no determinative evidence that Niemann cheated in his game against me at the Sinquefield Cup. I am willing to play Niemann in future events, should we be paired together,” Carlsen was quoted by Chess.com.
“I am pleased that my lawsuit against Magnus Carlsen and Chess.com has been resolved in a mutually acceptable manner, and that I am returning to Chess.com. I look forward to competing against Magnus in chess rather than in court,” Niemann added after reports clarified.
It is to be noted that following the accusations, Chess.com had secretly terminated Niemann's account and released a study of Hans Niemann's play. “His account has now been restored. Niemann will be allowed to play in all events via Chess.com and will be treated no differently from any other player,” Chess.com’s statement read.
