47-year-old Australian chess player Shumsheer Singh Ghumman was formally denied bail in the Victorian Supreme Court on September 23. Ghumman has been charged with stalking 25-year-old streamer Hannah Sayce.

It’s alleged that Ghumman stalked Hannah between April 2024 and May 2026. Shumsheer obtained information about Sayce’s family, friends, addresses, and vacation plans.

Ghumman filed a complaint with Qatari authorities after learning that Hannah was planning to travel to Doha for a tournament. Sayce was placed in jail upon her arrival in Doha. A similar incident occurred with a complaint filed with the Icelandic Chess Federation.

Shumsheer was arrested on May 1 at his cafe in Melbourne. He faced 35 charges, including stalking, intimidation, obstruction of justice, possession of an illegal weapon, and more. Ghumman denied any wrongdoing in court.

Shumsheer Singh Ghumman has a criminal record. Shumsheer served nine years in prison for attempted murder. The motive for the attempt was Ghumman’s rejection of a romantic relationship.

Credit: Joel Carrett / AAP PHOTOS