Niemann makes latest claim against Carlsen as cheating scandal documentary releases on Netflix: ‘Let that sink in’

American Grandmaster Hans Niemann claimed he "never received an apology" over the fallout of the infamous 2022 cheating scandal, a topic that has been explored in detail in Untold: Chess Mates, a Netflix documentary released worldwide on Tuesday, 7 April.

Niemann was at the heart of what arguably is the biggest controversy in chess history, having been accused of cheating by world No 1 Magnus Carlsen during the Sinquefield Cup in St Louis, USA nearly four years ago.

Niemann claims he 'never received an apology'

In a post on social networking platform X on Tuesday, Niemann insisted that though he is yet to receive an apology over the incident, the lack of one highlights the "character" of his detractors while promising to give them a befitting reply on the chess board.

"I never received an apology. Let that sink in," Niemann wrote in a post on X on Tuesday.

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"I don’t need one, but it shows the character of my detractors. As I’ve always said, my greatest vindication will be on the chess board. Be patient and the world will see," he added.

A 19-year-old Niemann had defeated Carlsen – who was reigning world champion at the time – in the third round of the 2022 Sinquefield Cup. This was after he was included in the event, part of the Grand Chess Tour, as a last-minute replacement for Hungarian GM Richard Rapport.

Carlsen, however, stunned the chess world by withdrawing midway during the tournament after the surprise defeat against Niemann, and later insinuating that his opponent had cheated during the game.

Also Read | Carlsen's cheating allegations vs Niemann rejected by chief arbiter of infamous 2022 match

Niemann would then make the growing scandal even more sensational by filing a US$ 100 million lawsuit against five-time world champion Carlsen as well as Hikaru Nakamura – whom he accused of adding fuel to fire when it came to cheating allegations – and Chess.com. The case was later dismissed and both parties had agreed to a settlement.

Niemann had, in the past, admitted to cheating in multiple online games at the ages of 10 and 16, but has maintained innocence when it comes to over-the-board games, including and especially a major event such as the Sinquefield Cup, something that he reiterates in the documentary by the American streaming giant.

Despite the settlement, Niemann has had a rocky relationship with Carlsen and Nakamura sicne the cheating scandal, having traded barbs with both individuals, but more often with the Norwegian GM, in recent years.

He had recently taken potshots at Nakamura over multiple issues pertaining to the ongoing Fide Candidates tournament in Cyprus, from the method of his qualification for the prestigious event to his criticism of "excessive" anti-cheating measures.