Nepo praises Niemann’s chess but condemns his personality amid FIDE dispute

During the Global Chess League event in Bengaluru, Russia’s top grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi praised Hans Niemann’s chess abilities but expressed disdain for his personality, accusing him of constantly adopting a victim stance. Nepomniachtchi referenced Niemann’s recent X post urging FIDE to sanction players who publicly allege misconduct, particularly against young competitors, and called the plea a publicity stunt.

He recalled a recent online clash where Nepomniachtchi questioned a 14-year-old Canadian’s en-passant move, which sparked Niemann’s criticism. Comparing Niemann’s self-branding to MMA star Conor McGregor, Nepomniachtchi said the American seeks notoriety. He also noted that the Netflix documentary “Untold: Chess Mates” offered no new insights for him and recommended the film “The Queen of Chess” about Judit Polgar for newcomers.