Magnus Carlsen skipped as many as three games against Hans Niemann in the recent FIDE quick event in Astana, but very soon he might not have choice other then facing Niemann over the board.
The much anticipated clash might happen on 6-8th September in Paris, for the live Finals of Chess.com’s Speed Chess Championship.
In this 16-player Knockout event Hans Niemann has so far eliminated higher rated players Maxime Vachier Lagrave by 12.5-11.5 and Wesley So by 13-10.
If Magnus Carlsen beats Arjun Erigaisi on 8th August he will meet Niemann in the Semifinal.
Also in the Semifinal is Alireza Firouzja who defeated Fabiano Caruana. Firouzja will next play the winner of Nakamura-Nepomniachtchi match.
Starting from this season, the SCC Final Four will be played in person. The venue will be ESpot in Paris, France.
Several Niemann’s quotes from the post-match interview with GM Daniel Naroditsky.
“It was good that I played games against Anish Giri earlier today, and leading in that match was a huge confidence boost for me. Anish and Wesley have similar styles so that was good for me.”
“I am very happy to travel to Paris for Finals and even happier that Chess.com sent two proctors to both of my matches. I am one of the best players in the world and I have proven that many times.”
“I think Chess.com is to blame for many of the accusations against me. I just beat two of the best players in the world with proctors in my room. So I’m letting chess speaking for itself. My vengeance will be victory over the board.”
On the question about possible matchup against Carlsen, Niemann gave a very long answer. which in short comes to: “Everything started on the chess board and it should end on the chess board.”
Later he added a very strong statement: “I think Magnus Carlsen is sick deluded person who wanted to destroy my life.”
