'Like his chess, not personality': Russian GM on Niemann's 'FIDE must punish' remarks

BENGALURU: Ian Nepomniachtchi, also known as "Nepo", has little doubt about Hans Niemann’s ability on the chessboard. Away from it, however, the Russian grandmaster remains less impressed.Reacting to Niemann’s recent call for FIDE to punish players who make public accusations or insinuations, particularly involving young players, Nepomniachtchi said the American grandmaster “can’t stop playing the victim card”.“First of all, Hans can’t stop playing the victim card. He pretty much lives in that skin. I think there was a fair reason, from his online performances through many years, as far as I know, to be cautious about Hans himself,” Nepo, Russia’s No. 1 player, told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interaction on the sidelines of the Global Chess League (GCL).Despite the friction, Nepomniachtchi feels that Niemann has established himself as a strong player. “As for Hans right now, he proves himself as a very good and formidable player.