Carlsen vs Niemann: Inside the grudge match between two rivals in Paris

AT the Sinquefield Cup two years ago, Magnus Carlsen set off a $100mn lawsuit after he lost an over-the-board game against Hans Niemann.

- SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN

The former multiple-time world champion, post that loss, accused the US player of cheating. Those allegations not only tore the world of chess but shone an ugly light on the board game. For the record, Niemann, who admitted to cheating in online chess, denied any wrongdoing; since those allegation, there has been a settlement and organisers found no evidence that Niemann used unethical ways to win that game.

Even if the wider sporting world has moved on from that incident, fear continues to live in the corners. Suspicion has been heightened like never before and security protocols involve scanning for anal beads as well as deferred broadcasts.