&w=3840&q=100)
Hans Niemann posts powerful message after reaching Freestyle Chess Las Vegas final: 'Don't need an apology...'
Hans Niemann reached the final of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour event in Las Vegas with a victory over Fabiano Caruana in the semi-finals. Image credit: Freestyle Chess
Controversial American Grandmaster Hans Moke Niemann was at the centre of what many would consider the biggest scandal in chess history when he was accused of cheating by Norwegian superstar Magnus Carlsen in the 2022 Sinquefield Cup.
The incident led to a hundred million-dollar federal lawsuit that was eventually closed with a settlement between the two the following year. However, the two have shared frosty relations ever since, with both Carlsen and Niemann verbally targeting one another through a series of digs and inflammatory statements.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Niemann makes triumphant statement by reaching Freestyle Chess Las Vegas final
For Niemann to reach the final of Freestyle Chess Las Vegas, therefore, is nothing short of poetic. The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, after all, was co-founded by Carlsen and German entrepreneur Jan Henric Buettner, in which the former had won back-to-back events in Paris and Karlsruhe and currently sits on top of the overall standings.
What makes his journey to the summit clash following his victory over Italian-American GM Fabiano Caruana even sweeter is the fact that Carlsen failed to even reach the quarter-finals in the same event, finishing fifth in the group stage.
After his 2.5-1.5 victory over compatriot Caruana – the runner-up in the Weissenhaus leg of the Grand Slam Tour – Niemann emphatically stated that he did not need an apology for the cheating accusations; rather, he would less his chess pieces do the talking on the board.
'I don't need an apology, my comeback will be on the chess board, nothing else!' the 22-year-old wrote on X on Saturday.
Niemann added that his stellar run in the ongoing tournament isn't something new – he has been capable of producing such performances for a 'very long time'.
He had finished runner-up in 'Group Black' earlier in the Las Vegas Grand Slam, missing out on the top spot with back-to-back losses against Hikaru Nakamura and Caruana. Niemann, however, bounced back in the knockouts, defeating Uzbekistani GM Javokhir Sindarov 4-2 before his semi-final win against Caruana.
'I've been capable of this for a very long time. I don't think there is anything that can stop me now,' Niemann was quoted by Take Take Take as saying.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Niemann faces veteran GM Levon Aronian in an all-American final that gets underway on Saturday. Aronian, who had represented his native country Armenia before switching allegiance to the United States in 2021, had ended Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi's stellar run in the ongoing tournament with a 2-0 victory in the semi-finals.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
From fashion runways to racetracks, Toni Breidinger redefines what it means to be a NASCAR star
Toni Breidinger (Image Source: Getty) Toni Breidinger, a 26-year-old NASCAR Truck Series driver, is making waves in both the racing world and fashion. As a NASCAR driver, Alvarado is already a trailblazer as the first Arab-American woman in the sport. She combines her passion for racing with endorsing big brands such as Coach and Victoria's Secret, proving she can do it all. Fashion for Breidinger is a way to up her confidence and, in doing so, makes her a better racer. How fashion fuels Toni Breidinger's racing confidence Breidinger loves fashion, and it's a big part of her racing success. She believes looking good makes her feel strong on the track. 'It's a creative outlet and a way for me to express myself. The better I feel the better I'll race,' she told Her deals with Coach and 818 Tequila bring in money to fund her NASCAR Truck Series racing. These brands also bring in new fans, especially women, to the sport. Her modelling in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue pays for her racing. Unlike other drivers, she works with brands that cater to women, which is unique. This allows her to race full time with Tricon Garage in 2025 in the No. 5 Toyota Tundra. By being a little bit of style and racing all mixed together, she shows young girls that you can be yourself and still have a place in a male-dominated sport. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like DNA Discovery Reveals Truth About Native Americans Daily Sport X Undo Also Read: NASCAR ends Prime run at Pocono with 1.89M viewers, down 22% from last year's USA Network race Breaking barriers and inspiring young women Breidinger does more than racing; she is a role model to young girls. As a female in NASCAR, life is difficult, and she is showing that it can be done. She said it is always cool to meet young girls who tell her that they want to race because of her. Her collaborations with such brands as Raising Cane's and Victoria's Secret introduce new individuals to NASCAR, in particular, young women. These fans find her through her ads and start following her races. Her newest deal with Dave & Buster's dropped July 22, 2025, and shows she's connecting with all kinds of fans. 'Dave & Buster's is a place I used to go with my sister in the Bay Area,' she said, talking about good times. By being a racer and a fashion star, Breidinger is showing girls they don't have to choose one path. Her hard work and realness are changing the way people see women in motorsport. FAQs 1. Who is Toni Breidinger in NASCAR? Toni Breidinger, 26, races in the NASCAR Truck Series and is the first Arab-American woman in NASCAR. 2. How does fashion help Toni's race? Fashion makes her feel confident, which she says helps her drive better on the racetrack. 3. Which brands work with Toni Breidinger? She teams up with Coach, Victoria's Secret, 818 Tequila, Raising Cane's, and Dave & Buster's. 4. How does Toni inspire young girls? She shows girls they can race and love fashion, encouraging them in a male-heavy sport. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
7 hours ago
- First Post
‘Only reason to do this is to get on social media': Vishy Anand slams Magnus Carlsen for heated reaction after Gukesh loss
Magnus Carlsen's shocking loss to World Champion D Gukesh at Norway Chess 2025 went viral after his dramatic table-slam reaction. Viswanathan Anand has finally reacted to the incident, which took the chess world by storm. read more Five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen's shocking defeat to Indian teenage Grandmaster D Gukesh at the 2025 Norway Chess created a huge storm online. It wasn't just the loss that went viral, but Carlsen's dramatic reaction. Carlsen, who was completely dominating the game, made a huge blunder near the end and gifted Gukesh a comeback win. In frustration, the Norwegian legend slammed the table, and that clip went viral on social media. Indian legend Viswanathan Anand, who is the current Deputy President of FIDE, shared his thoughts on Carlsen's reaction while speaking to Anand said the loss was tough for the World No. 1 because he had the game fully under control. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'I would not call this totally undeserved (win for Gukesh). Magnus is famous for converting things perfectly. So he of all people should know (how to win this). But of course Gukesh was lucky that he could even survive this far. Magnus was basically 99% of the way. It's like falling and injuring yourself 2 metres before the finish line. That's what happened to him,' Anand said. Anand said he understood why Carlsen was so angry and that the table slam showed fans the emotions chess players go through. 'He was so angry that he hit the table. Quite understandable and even in a sporting sense he just produced a moment where everyone could see what what chess players are going through. People have this fixed image of chess players being very serious and suddenly they see emotions and enjoy it. So also it helps us break some stereotypes,' he added. Anand slams Carlsen's reaction However, Anand also questioned Carlsen's motive for such an over-the-top reaction. 'There was no point doing it. There weren't 20 cameras pointed at you. So what's the point? The only reason to do this is to get on social media now.' 'Even many non-Indians have seen this. So clearly they enjoy seeing chess players do that. I enjoyed it as well because you know it's drama. From Magnus's perspective also I understand it very well. He was winning the game. He wanted to beat Gukesh in a sporting sense. He wanted to really show and he had the opportunity in the palm of his hands. He was going to beat him twice at Norway Chess in two games and make a point.' Carlsen had beaten Gukesh in the opening round of Norway Chess but then suffered this dramatic loss in Round 6. Despite the heartbreak, Carlsen went on to win the event, while Gukesh finished third. It is important to note that Gukesh is the current World Champion but still hasn't been able to overcome the Carlsen challenge. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Conor McGregor fires back at Khabib Nurmagomedov in deleted post as UFC feud resurfac
Conor McGregor fires back at Khabib Nurmagomedov in deleted post as UFC feud resurfaces (Image Via X) A sudden burst of tension returned to the UFC world as Conor McGregor shook the internet on July 22, 2025. The former featherweight and lightweight champion, known for bold words, took aim at UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov in a fiery post on X. Though the message was soon deleted, the tone was unmistakable. The old feud that saw a bus window smashed in Brooklyn and their grudge match at UFC 229 has now been reignited. This surprise outburst proves the rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov still resonates, even seven years after they last faced each other. Conor McGregor fires at Khabib Nurmagomedov after comments on Ilia Topuria On July 22, 2025, Conor McGregor responded sharply to Khabib Nurmagomedov's recent comments about rising UFC lightweight star Ilia Topuria. During an interview with Russian journalist Adam Zubayraev, Khabib Nurmagomedov said: 'Could Ilia Topuria be the next Conor? No, he's a good guy. You can tell he's trying to become someone.' In reply, Conor McGregor blasted:'Fighting's biggest b**** yapping out of his fat hole again. Cough cough.' in a post later removed from his X account. This incident echoes their infamous past. Back in April 2018, Conor McGregor invaded the backstage of Khabib Nurmagomedov UFC 223 fight in Brooklyn and hurled a dolly through a bus window, an act that fueled major hype. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo Their bitterness climaxed at UFC 229 on October 6, 2018, at the T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Khabib Nurmagomedov choked out Conor McGregor. That fight became the highest-selling UFC pay-per-view of all time, with 2.4 million buys. Khabib Nurmagomedov points out UFC's role as Conor McGregor plans return Khabib Nurmagomedov, now retired and working as a coach, recently reflected that much of their original feud was driven by UFC boss Dana White. He said the bus incident was 'all Dana's doing' and added : 'Hunter alone wouldn't have been enough. They were all involved'. Meanwhile, McGregor is preparing for a comeback. He has been out of the Octagon since July 2021, when he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. McGregor confirmed he plans to return in mid‑2026 and has expressed interest in fighting at the much‑talked‑about UFC event at the White House lawn, slated for July 2026 to mark 250 years of American independence. As both fighters stay busy in their own way, the old rivalry is now rekindled. With McGregor's return upcoming and Khabib still waylaying fighters from behind the scenes we can see further tension and headlines to come. Also Read: Donald Trump Backs Possible UFC Fight As Michael Chandler Targets White House Battle With Conor McGregor FAQs 1. Why did Conor McGregor delete his tweet on Khabib Nurmagomedov? Conor McGregor deleted his tweet after he disrespectfully referenced Khabib for the second time likely so the media wouldn't blow it up again and possibly suspend him by the UFC. 2. When did Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor last fight? Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Conor McGregor at UFC 229 on October 6, 2018 in Las Vegas. 3. Is Conor McGregor returning to UFC in 2026? Yes, Conor McGregor mentioned earlier this year he returns in mid-2026 at a UFC event presumably on the lawn of the White House. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
