American grandmaster Hans Niemann threw down the gauntlet on Thursday, difficult the world’s prime 2 gamers, Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, for an over-the-board blitz chess match.
Niemann stated he was keen to place as a lot as $1 million at stake to play in opposition to each gamers however demanded formal apology from Carlsen and Nakamura for his or her “false accusations” that Niemann had cheated.
“Because the No 1 blitz participant on Chess.com, I problem the No 2 and No 3 gamers to an OTB (over-the-board) blitz match to resolve who the most effective participant on the earth is. I’m keen to place up anyplace from 1 to $1 million. If they’re too afraid of the problem, I count on them to retract all false accusations and concern a proper apology,” Hans Niemann posted on X.
Hans Niemann and Magnus Carlsen had been concerned in a lawsuit after Magnus Carlsen had pulled out of the 2022 Sinquefield Cup after shedding to Hans Niemann. There have been allegations that Niemann was dishonest, which had been by no means proved. Whereas the lawsuit was later settled, Hans Niemann has regularly educated his weapons on Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura.
Not too long ago, Carlsen defeated Niemann within the FIDE World Fast and Blitz Championship earlier than making a “what’s the fuss” gesture on the digicam after which banging his piece on the board.
When Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi agreed to share the World Blitz Championship title, Hans Niemann was probably the most vocal voices criticising the transfer.
“The chess world is formally a joke. THIS HAS NEVER BEEN DONE IN HISTORY. I can’t consider that the official physique of chess is being managed by a singular participant FOR THE 2ND TIME THIS WEEK. THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE WORLD CHAMPION! (sic)” Niemann had posted on his X deal with. He had additionally gone on a tirade on his X deal with after that.
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