Anish Giri Defends Hans Niemann, Cites Lack of Evidence in Cheating Scandal

Anish Giri, a prominent Dutch Grandmaster, has publicly defended Hans Niemann, the American GM who has been embroiled in cheating controversies. Giri's support comes in the wake of allegations leveled against Niemann by fellow chess professionals.

Hans Niemann (right) and Anish Giri (X | @HansMokeNiemann)

Giri has recently engaged with Niemann on social media, prompting him to address the situation directly.

Speaking on "Take Take Take," Giri expressed his concern about the situation: "The story with Hans, it really triggered me...I was all okay with what was happening. But I wanted to see proof that he was cheating. I was waiting for it. But it just wouldn’t come."

He further elaborated on his stance, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence against Niemann: "I was waiting for the proof. But at some point, I realized, okay, there is no proof. They don’t have proof. And he was treated like he was guilty. And nobody convinced me that he was guilty at all. I found the way he was treated extremely unjust, especially compared to other people."

Giri went on to say: "With Hans, suddenly there was this massive thing, which I found unjust as long as it’s not proven...I felt that, you know, why should I treat him badly based on speculation? And if he hadn’t been cheating, what has happened to him is very unjust."

Complex Relationships in the Chess World

Giri also provided insights into the intricate dynamics among top-tier chess players. "First of all, these relationships are extremely complicated. A combination of rivalry and friendship and mutual respect and hatred all at the same time," he explained.

He clarified the nature of the competition: "You should also realize that when we speak of this kind of rivalry, they would never wish each other bad health...But they want them to lose. They want them to lose badly. And again and again. And I wanted him to lose. But now that he lost, I want him to get back up, so I can punch him again, you know?”