The controversial chess saga has taken another twist after Magnus Carlsen released a statement outright accusing rival Hans Nielmann of cheating.
It’s the sporting storyline that has rocked the world.
Niemann made headlines earlier this month when he was accused of using anal beads to beat world No.1 Carlsen.
It's claimed the vibrating sex toy would send messages about his opponent's potential next move.
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Although, we’re not too sure about the validity of those accusations.
Carlsen hadn’t directly accused his opponent of cheating, however, it was heavily implied when he decided to resign from their online matchup in protest after making just one move.
Well now, the Norwegian has decided to tell the chess world exactly what he thinks, releasing a statement on social media flatly accusing Nielmann of cheating.
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Unfortunately, there is no mention of anal beads.
Carlsen stated: "When Niemann was invited last minute to the 2022 Sinquefield Cup, I strongly considered withdrawing prior to the event. I ultimately chose to play.
“I believe that Niemann has cheated more — and more recently — than he has publicly admitted.
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"His over-the-board progress has been unusual, and throughout our game in the Sinquefield Cup I had the impression that he wasn't tense or even fully concentrating on the game in critical positions, while outplaying me as black in a way I think only a handful of players can do.
"This game contributed to changing my perspective.
“We must do something about cheating, and for my part going forward. I don’t want to play against people that have cheated repeatedly in the past, because I don’t know what they are capable of in the future.”
Carlsen went on to claim he had more he wanted to say but wasn’t permitted to without explicit permission from Nielmann himself.
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Drama upon drama.
The statement comes after 19-year-old Niemann stunned Carlsen and defeated him at a $500,000 event in St Louis.
Carlsen then dramatically withdrew from the tournament, and then took a sly dig at Niemann by tweeting out his decision alongside a video of football manager Jose Mourinho saying: “If I speak, I am in big trouble.”
The Norwegian never outright accused Niemann of cheating until now however, fellow grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura suspected the withdrawal was because Carlsen believed Nielmann had ‘probably cheated’.
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Niemann, however, has always maintained his innocence and claimed he would even play naked to prove he wasn’t a cheat.
Jayden Collins