Hans Niemann likely received illegal assistance in more than 100 online games: Report

The reputed publication has claimed it reviewed the investigation conducted by Chess.com, an online platform where many top players compete. According to the WSJ, “The report alleges that Niemann likely received illegal assistance in more than 100 online games, as recently as 2020. Those matches included contests in which prize money was on the line. The site uses a variety of cheating-detection tools, including analytics that compare moves to those recommended by chess engines, which are capable of beating even the greatest human players every time.”

The WSJ review also says, “The 72-page report also flagged what it described as irregularities in Niemann’s rise through the elite ranks of competitive, in-person chess. It highlights ‘many remarkable signals and unusual patterns in Hans’ path as a player’.”

Last month, Magnus Carlsen, the world champion and a player widely considered one of the greatest ever, posted a statement on Twitter in which he said he believed Niemann “has cheated more — and more recently — than he has publicly admitted.”

“His over-the-board progress has been unusual,” Carlsen wrote about Niemann in his Twitter post late Monday, “and throughout our game in the Sinquefield Cup I had the impression that he wasn’t tense or even fully concentrating on the game in critical positions, while outplaying me as black in a way I think only a handful of players can do.

“This game contributed to changing my perspective.”

“The FPL is ready to examine the circumstances, compile and analyze all the data and evidence available, and ascertain the facts and allegations that have been made public. The panel will ensure a fair ruling, protecting the rights of both parties during the investigation,” said Fair Play Chairperson Salomeja Zaksaite.

However, Carlsen had offered no evidence of Niemann cheating.