Carlsen chose drama against Niemann, resigned after move 2
The Niemann-Carlsen game at the Julius Baer Generation Cup was the most anticipated one after the recent chess cheating scandal, but the World Champion chose to resign on move 2, log off, and leave everyone speechless and confused.
It comes without saying that after Carlsen’s withdrawal from the Sinquefield Cup 2022, and the accusations of Niemann cheating, the chess world was glued to their screens for their rematch at the Julius Baer Generation Cup. But the Norwegian GM didn’t hold the anticipation for long. He resigned with black after move 2 (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4) and shook the chess world one more time!
Reactions
GM Jon Ludvig Hammer criticized Carlsen on Norwegian TV said he should be sanctioned: “It’s completely unacceptable behavior to lose on purpose. It’s the most unsportsmanlike you can do in a competitive sport”
IM Jovanka Houska accused Carlsen of “pouring more fuel on the fire”.
IM Houska said: “Actually, I think he needs to do more than just a statement in fact. He can’t just say, ‘yeah, I think you cheated’ and initiate a witch-hunt. He has to say, ‘this is my proof’.”
GM Alejandro Ramírez said: “It’s a clear indication that Magnus thinks that something is wrong, with Hans. Whether it’s cheating, whether it’s something else that happened, there are other possibilities. The word cheat gets used a lot, but there’s a lot of other things that may have happened. I don’t know what it is, but I do know that this is so strong that Magnus needs to come forward and say something.”
GM and close friend of Carlsen, David Howell said: “This is unprecedented in the history I think by any World Champion, by any top player, let alone Magnus who loves playing any game possible and has great respect for the game of chess and every tournament he plays. It’s just bizarre, bizarre times. You can’t just leave it on this note. I don’t know if he can continue the tournament if he leaves it on this note. I just wish we’d seen a game, that’s all I can say.”
Carlsen on the other hand has remained silent, refusing post-match interviews with his father Henrik also telling the Norwegian channel TV 2 today that he won’t be interviewed for the duration.
