American GM Hans Moke Niemann commented on his match against Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi. Niemann says it was emotionally difficult to play against Nepo, and states that Ian tried to damage his chess career.

Hans Moke Niemann

Hans Moke Niemann

American GM

“For me as a person, he’s difficult to play against. Because, there’s been a lot of things that he’s done to damage my chess career.

There have been a few instances of tournaments where he’s heard that I was participating and demanded that I was removed. He was successful on that in the Gashimov Memorial.

As a person, it’s a bit difficult. Because when someone says so many terrible things and tries to damage your chess career, you have to remain focused and unemotional. He also accused a lot of people without any evidence, and that’s something he consistently does.

So, you need to keep those things out of your mind and stay focused.”

Ian Nepomniachtchi was one of the first elite GMs to publicly comment on the Hans Niemann cheating scandal with Magnus Carlsen in 2022. Ian said that he had asked the St. Louis organizers for additional anti-cheating measures, after he heard Niemann would be playing in the next event.

The exhibition match between American GM Hans Moke Niemann and Russian GM 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: Frans Peeters