On Wednesday, Chess-com published the “Hans Niemann Report”, where it was revealed that the American had probably cheated in more than 100 chess games. Among other things, this is said to have occurred while he was part of the Norwegian team “Norway Gnomes”. news can now reveal that Norway’s chess president, Joachim Birger Nilsen, also acknowledges cheating during a tournament with the team “Norway Gnomes”. According to Nilsen, he played one match of four games in the preliminary group stage of the Pro Chess League online tournament with another person in the room, who was hidden from the opponents. The case concerns, according to Nilsen himself, three of the parties in that fight. This was in the 2016/2017 season. – It was not legal, and I am quite clear about that. The fact that it was many years ago has nothing to do with it. You shouldn’t do this at all, says Nilsen to news. He does not remember that it was presented as evidence or that it became a case, but says it was suspected that something illegal had taken place. Nilsen was allowed to play the final of the tournament a few weeks later. Norwegian star team Nilsen represents Bergen Chess Club. He was previously a board member and an active member of Magnus Carlsen’s club Offerspill. Now he describes the cheating as a big mistake. – I played the finals and took 1 out of 4 points for the team in the final, but we lost it. It was sad, of course, but I was allowed to play there, he points out. Over several seasons, the “Norway Gnomes” team has consisted of a number of Norwegian chess profiles. The season Nilsen cheated, world number one Magnus Carlsen was part of the team. In the end it was the St. Louis Arch Bishops, with chess star Wesley So among others, who won the tournament ahead of the Norwegians. The American team thus secured $20,000 in prize money, according to Chess.com. PROFILE: Joachim Nilsen is chess president and editor of Norsk Sjakkblad. He has a rating of 2416. Photo: Torstein Sørheim Bjørkås / news Lays flat The following season, Nilsen was no longer part of the “Norway Gnomes”. The chess president claims he has not cheated at the chessboard several times. – I’m not an organized cheater, no. That, I am not. But I have no problem with being responsible for the mistakes and mistakes I have made. Absolutely not. He does not remember all the details from the three games where the rules of the game were broken. But is clear that it was not allowed, and that he should not have played with another person in the room. – It is an assisted game where I received help during the game, and that is not allowed. You have to play alone, without help, says Nilsen. – And you knew that in advance – that you had to play alone? – Yes … Help during a game is not allowed, regardless of whether it comes from a friend, machine, mobile phone or book. That shouldn’t happen, replies the 29-year-old. Nilsen claims this was not a topic in connection with his position as chess president. Nor has he taken it up with the union. Bae casts doubt on the position Chess expert Torstein Bae describes the case as surprising and a disappointment. He points out that Nilsen is not only chess president, but also a top player. – So in a way you can say that it is a sin of youth, but at the same time you can compare it a bit with Niemann in terms of time perspective. It is clear that this was a serious tournament with significant prize money involved. It is clear that this is an unfortunate and sad case, says Bae to news. EXPERT: Torstein Bae. Photo: Erik Johansen / NTB – What do you think that it is the chess president in Norway who tells about this? – It is of course very unfortunate. It is clear that his position will be very difficult, perhaps untenable, as I see it. It is clear that it is a very sad case for Norwegian chess, which I think underlines what we have been talking about – that Niemann’s online cheating is only the tip of the iceberg. He points out that the report to Chess.com showed that it is about a thousand players who have been caught cheating, and that there are probably a number of Norwegians among them. – It is of course very disappointing that Nilsen, who is president, editor of Norsk sjakkblad and a leading player – and certainly a good and excellent guy in many ways – has then made this big mistake of cheating during an important tournament. – I completely agree with Torstein Joachim Nilsen understands the reaction of news’s chess expert. – I completely agree with Torstein, this is not good. I would like to emphasize that this has not been done during my time as president or editor of Norsk Sjakkblad. Besides that, what he says is completely correct: this is a mistake, but it is a mistake I do not want to sweep under the rug, he says and continues: – This happened in the 2016/17 season of the Pro Chess League, but I have not made such a misjudgment since. It is good that the focus is on this. In recent years, I have focused on giving back to the sport and the environment that has given me so much, and I hope that I can continue to contribute in the future as long as possible. Nilsen was elected as chess president in July. He took over from Simen Agdestein.
ttn-69
Chess president Joachim Nilsen admits to having cheated – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
