Giri Defends Niemann, Cites Lack of Proof in Cheating Allegations: 'Treated Unjustly'

Anish Giri, a prominent Dutch Grandmaster, has publicly defended Hans Niemann, an American GM who has faced accusations of cheating in the chess world. Giri's recent interactions with Niemann on social media have sparked discussion, leading to his statement on the matter.

Speaking to Take Take Take, Giri expressed his strong feelings about the situation. "It triggered me. The story with Hans, it really triggered me. Because 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. 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 continued, "And with Hans, suddenly there was this massive thing, which I found unjust as long as it’s not proven. It sort of triggered me as well, in some sense. 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."

Giri also provided insights into the complex relationships among top-level 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. I wouldn’t call it hatred in a human sense."

He further elaborated on the nature of competition: "You should also realize that when we speak of this kind of rivalry, they would never wish each other bad health. Or, God forbid, that something bad would happen in their life or in their family. Or that their house would get flooded. They don’t want that. 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?” He concluded by responding to a question about friendship within the Top 10, highlighting the nuanced dynamics at play.