American GM Hans Moke Niemann added to his comment about his match against Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi. Niemann says that Ian refused to play a tiebreak, and explains why the match with Jorden van Foreest was canceled.

Hans Moke Niemann

Hans Moke Niemann

American GM

“This is actually the first in-person match that I haven’t won. I never really thought I was going to lose or tie a match. I need tiebreak regulations…

This is so stupid. I offered him to play a tiebreak. For him, he only makes money if he accepts. It’s quite weird that he wouldn’t want to play a tiebreak, even if I offered it to him tomorrow. There’s nothing to lose — either he gets double his appearance fee or keeps the same result.

By the way, I don’t have anything planned yet. I was supposed to play Jordan, but he canceled the match. It’s quite funny that Jordan came to this tournament to watch after canceling our match. If we pushed the match by just one day, he could have played, but he said it was too much, too tiring.

If I could pick any top 10 player to organize a match with… If they agreed, either Magnus or Hikaru. But they wouldn’t agree. So maybe Abdusattorov or Fabiano.”

The match between Hans Moke Niemann and Jorden van Foreest was scheduled from May 24 to 26 in Belgrade, Serbia. The match did not take place, and Hans did not announce its cancellation. On May 23, Jorden finished his play at GCT: Super Chess Classic Romania 2026.

The exhibition match between Hans Moke Niemann and Ian Nepomniachtchi took place from May 29 to June 1 in Belgrade, Serbia. The match featured 60+30 Classical time control over 8 Classical games. The match ended with a score of 4-4, with 6 draws and 2 decisive games.

Credit: Lennart Ootes