Official Probe Finds Hans Niemann Didn't Cheat Against Magnus Carlsen

15 months ago U.S. grandmaster Hans Niemannn was accused of cheating in a tournament after beating Magnus Carlsen (five-time world chess champion).

Last week a report was finally issued by the world governing body of chess, CNN reports:
FIDE's report said that analysis from professor Kenneth Regan — a computer chess cheating expert — showed 'instances of cheating' by Niemann in around 32-55 games on the online chess platform; far less than the 100 suggested by Chess.com. According to the FIDE report, Regan also found 'discrepancies' in Niemann's statement that he had only cheated between the ages of 12 and 16. However, the games of 2017 and the games against Bok in August of 2020 occurred after he turned 17 in June. Another important discrepancy is that the cheating took place in rated online games,' said the FIDE report.

The report also said there was no 'statistical evidence to support GM Niemann cheating in over the-board games' in an analysis of 13 tournaments over the past three years. 'Additionally, it was determined that GM NiemannÂs overall results in the Sinquefield Cup showed no statistical basis for cheating,' the report said. 'GM Niemann's performance through the years is characterized by peaks and troughs, consistent with his expected level of play,' according to the FIDE report.

FIDE's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission (EDC) said in the report that it concluded the case was 'an in-between situation,' one 'where a complaint can be well-founded without the suspected person not found guilty of cheating.... The EDC also found that Carlsen was not guilty on three charges — reckless or manifestly unfounded accusation of chess cheating, disparagement of FIDE's reputation and Interest, and attempt to undermine honor.

However, the EDC did find Carlsen guilty of withdrawing from the 2022 Sinquefield Cup 'without valid reason.' He was fined €10,000 ($10,800) as a result.

Meanwhile, Forbes reports that the world Rapid Chess Championship begins Monday in Uzbekistan and runs through December 31.

'Norwegian chess legend Magnus Carlsen will compete.'

Read more of this story at Slashdot.