International Arbiter Chris Bird commented on the Netflix trailer for the “UNTOLD: Chess Mates” documentary in his X. Bird mentions that he was the Chief Arbiter in the game between Magnus and Niemann at the Sinquefield Cup, and notes that he has seen no evidence confirming Niemann cheated.

Christopher Bird

Christopher Bird

International Arbiter

“It’s sad to say but even to this day one of the most common questions I get asked when folks find out I was the Chief Arbiter of “the game” is do I think Hans was cheating?

I’ve seen no evidence that Hans cheated in this game, or any event I’ve overseen that he has played in!”

“UNTOLD: Chess Mates” is a Netflix documentary about the 2022 cheating scandal involving Magnus Carlsen and Hans Moke Niemann. The documentary centers on Niemann’s victory over Carlsen at the Sinquefield Cup and the cheating allegations that followed. The film will premiere on Netflix on April 7.

Credit: Lennart Ootes