“Magnus is clearly insinuating something,” says Giri on the Norwegian’s one-move resignation

Chess players, former and current, held varied views on Magnus Carlsen’s unprecedented one-move resignation, obviously in silent protest, against USA’s 19-year-old Hans Moke Niemann in the sixth round of the Julius Baer Generation Cup rapid online tournament on Monday. Everybody is expecting some kind of big rabbit out of the hat with Magnus, but he just doesn’t want to play Hans, it seems.” Asked if Carlsen had any proof to prove his point, Anish said, “I think it’s pretty clear that he doesn’t have it, because if he had there would be no need to do that. Also, insinuating cheating is a big problem as well, so these things have to be resolved.” He further added, “It’s crazy, crazy stuff going on and it’s not clear how it will end because as we see now I don’t think Magnus has anything more than what’s there. Imagine doing that in a court of law, you’ve got to be innocent until proven guilty, that is just a fact.” From the commentator’s box, International Master Jovanka Houska held Carlsen responsible for “pouring more fuel on the fire.” She added, “Actually, I think he needs to do more than just a statement in fact,” she said.