Chess
Anal bead cheating? Chess talent Niemann takes a stand on allegations
The chess game in question: Magnus Carlsen (l.) and Hans Niemann (r.) on September 4th, 2022 in St. Louis, US state of Missouri
© Crystal Fuller/Saint Louis Chess Club / DPA
Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen accuses the American Hans Niemann of cheating after a defeat. A year later, the accused spoke in detail on Piers Morgan’s TV show.
The allegations are serious: cheating on the American chess talent Hans Niemann? At least that’s what chess world champion Magnus Carlsen suggested after he lost to Niemann at the tournament in St. Louis at the beginning of September last year – after 53 victories in a row.
In fact, Niemann has admitted that he used to cheat in online games. Since then he has been playing cleanly, he said.
More than a year after the game in question, Niemann answered US presenter Piers Morgan’s questions on his show – accompanied by his lawyer. Morgan first explains the allegations. Accordingly, Niemann inserted anal beads and received signals from his trainer through this sex toy.
When asked, Niemann replied that he “of course didn’t” cheat. But Morgan isn’t satisfied with that: “Have you ever used anal beads to cheat?” At first, Niemann seems to be evasive: “I find your question a little disturbing.” But when Morgan asks, Niemann answers: “categorically: no.”
Hans Niemann on cheating in chess
It has long been about more than winning a game of chess or honor. Shortly after the allegations emerged, Niemann sued his opponent, among other things, for $100 million (currently around 95 million euros) in damages. However, a US court dismissed Niemann’s lawsuit in June 2023.
Piers Morgan asks
Morgan won’t let his guest get away so easily. He wants to know exactly when and how Niemann cheated at chess. Niemann claims to have used a chess computer to win online chess when he was twelve and 16 years old. When Morgan asks further questions, Niemann’s lawyer intervenes.
Niemann’s view of things: sins of youth, harmless and something completely different than cheating in a game face to face – and a long time ago. Niemann is now 20 years old.