PUNE: Magnus Carlsen is still not explaining his one move resignation. But he has now added a name. That of Hans Niemann's coach GM Maxim Dlugy.
After finishing on top with 34 points and a rating performance of Elo 2939 in the league phase of the online rapid Generation Cup, Carlsen said he still can't talk about his agreed defeat against Hans Niemann, a 19-year-old American GM.
The Norwegian world champion told the official broadcast: "Aaha, unfortunately, I can't particularly speak on that. But you know, people can draw their own conclusion and they certainly have. I have to say, I am very impressed by Niemann's play and his mentor Maxim Dlugy must be doing a great job."
Dlugy is a super dynamic personality. The Soviet-turned-American has been a former president of US Chess Federation, an Olympian, and has worked with the Russian Growth Fund on Wall Street. He had an association with former world champions Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov. He was charged in Russia in 2005 on charges of embezzlement before being acquitted.
"Magnus Carlsen is a chess genius. But his recent behaviour against rising star Hans Niemann leaves much to be desired. Carlsen should either make a direct allegation with proof or stop acting the way he is. Using innuendo to defame a player is both irresponsible and wrong.-TimesView"
There is talk of him being banned by an online platform for cheating. However, this cannot be verified since many platforms operate in a secretive manner. Carlsen has lost twice to Niemann recently - in an online game and during an over-the-board classical tournament at St Louis. He also played Niemann on the Miami beach in a casual game.
Carlsen didn't answer the question whether Niemann was cheating. But he "hoped to say a little bit more after the tournament". The world No. 1 was scheduled to play a four-game quarterfinal against Levon Aronian of Armenia on Thursday. The semifinals are on Friday and the two-set title clash on Saturday and Sunday.
Two Indians, Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnannandha, also qualified in the last 8. Arjun is in Niemann's half of the draw and Pragg in Carlsen's half.
