Magnus Carlsen Faces Hans Niemann in SCC Semi-finals After Cheating Controversy

Chess champions Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann are set to clash at the Speed Chess Championship (SCC) semi-finals in their first meeting since Carlsen accused Niemann of cheating. The rivalry intensified following a defamation lawsuit and subsequent court dismissal. Niemann seeks redemption while Carlsen aims to solidify his dominance.

Chess champions Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann are set to clash at the Speed Chess Championship (SCC) semi-finals in their first meeting since Carlsen accused Niemann of cheating in an over-the-board game two years ago.

World number one Carlsen and Niemann will duel in Friday's semi-finals, with France's Alireza Firouzja and world number two Hikaru Nakamura contending in the other last-four match. All matches will be played online at an e-sport arena in Paris.

The rivalry escalated following Niemann's victory over Carlsen at the 2022 Sinquefield Cup and Carlsen's subsequent withdrawal from the tournament. Niemann had filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Carlsen and Chess.com, which was dismissed by a U.S. judge in June last year.

(With inputs from agencies.)