Hans Niemann, a 19-year-old American and the lowest-ranked player in the tournament, faced Carlson, a man who had dominated chess for more than a decade.
Magnus Carlsen, 31 and from Norway, was undefeated in 53 games
in classical chess, and had the advantage of playing white - thereby moving
first.
But if Niemann appeared daunted, he didn't show it. After
confidently nullifying the advantage of the first move, he gradually took over
the game. Facing a difficult defence in the endgame, Carlsen faltered and soon
resigned in a hopeless position.
Soon after the game, Carlsen withdrew from the tournament without explanation, despite there being another six rounds left - a virtually unprecedented move at the top level of chess.
Niemann admitted to cheating online on two
separate occasions aged 12 and 16 by using computer software assistance, but denied ever cheating over the board - widely regarded as
a much more serious offence - saying he was even prepared to play naked to
prove his innocence……..
Source:
BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/world-63010107
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