The internet forums are flooded with speculation.
A lot are saying Hans Niemann must have cheated, Magnus cannot prove it
so he had walked out of the tournament. It's not that simple and this article
by Jacob Aagaard defending Niemann. It's well worth a read.
'Paranoia and Insanity' by Jacob Aagaard
https://forum.killerchesstraining.com/t/paranoia-and-insanity-by-jacob-aagaard/856
My own view (not worth two cents compared with Jacob's article ) is;
What kind of idiot would cheat v the World Champion, the object of
the exercise is surely NOT to attract attention to yourself.
In the clip (see below) Hans comes across not as an idiot but as a young good player
full of self confidence and refreshing views regarding the top 10 players.
The one thing that stands out from the after game interview is Niemann saying
he had Carlsen's opening (a rare sideline) on his board a few hours before the game
claiming it a pure once in a million chance. 'A ridiculous miracle.'
Home prep is not cheating (others speculate there is a Mole in the Carlsen camp.)
The timing of the walk out suggests Magnus quit after the interview.
Computer analysis does not give any hint of cheating just Carlsen having an off day.
@greenpawn34
I saw the interview, live, after the game. Han's certainly knew what he was talking about and even said he disagreed with the computer's evaluation that the endgame was a draw...Hans was simply better prepared for this game. But in many other openings, he might have been less prepared than Magnus..
@ogb saidYup. Niemann got lucky - but you have to make your own luck, and you deserve to grab your lucky takes when you get them.
@greenpawn34
I saw the interview, live, after the game. Han's certainly knew what he was talking about and even said he disagreed with the computer's evaluation that the endgame was a draw...Hans was simply better prepared for this game. But in many other openings, he might have been less prepared than Magnus..
He's been banned for "cheating" from chess dot com. Well, so has his most venomous critic, Hikaru Nakamura. We shouldn't take a commercial chess site's opinion for gospel - but if we must, Nakamura should have been cancelled from all FIDE rankings a couple of years before Niemann will.
Unfortunately, Niemann will and Nakamura will not. This is not fair.
Hans didn't have assistance.
Every chess player has good days and bad days and on that day Magnus had a bad day and Hans had a good day.
I've been watching and reading everything and my conclusion is Magnus is turning into another psycho Fischer.
Another great interview today with Hans defending himself. I like his character and confidence. I hope he becomes WC one day.
We need confidence at the top, not humble champions.
@tonytiger41 saidExactly.
One would not pick their nose if video cameras streaming the event is fixed upon each player.
Although I do pick and flick 🤔
Hans Niemann explaining about his first chess.com ban.
Since the Magnus game chess.com have banned him again.
(Magnus is a major shareholder.)
I and many others are convinced he did not cheat v Magnus and
even those who were flaming him for cheating have turned around.
Niemann explaining himself and the pressure he is under - it starts about 8 mins in.