Hans Niemann Critiques Gukesh and Ding Liren's Chess Performance
Niemann's Controversial Statements
American Grand Master Hans Niemann, who recently drew with D Gukesh at the Chennai Grand Masters 2026, stirred controversy with his comments regarding Gukesh and former champion Ding Liren. Niemann asserted that neither Gukesh nor Ding were ever truly the best players in chess history. Gukesh's performance at the Chennai Grand Masters was underwhelming, culminating in a last-place finish with only two points from seven games. Nevertheless, he managed to maintain a rating above 2700 due to the draw.
Niemann acknowledged Gukesh's commendable performances during the Olympiad 2024 and the Candidates tournament, which positioned him as a contender for the world title. He also noted that Ding had been among the top three players for a significant period. However, he remained firm in his belief that their struggles should not come as a surprise. He stated, “The main reason for their poor performances is that they were never the best players in the world. Gukesh had some good results, but overall, their struggles are not shocking.”
He elaborated on the competitive nature of the World Championship cycle, emphasizing its limited scope. “The Candidates tournament consists of only 14 games, and you must rank first among eight players. The differences among top players are minimal, and preparation is crucial. With such a small sample size, outcomes can be quite random,” Niemann explained.
Niemann also offered advice to Gukesh, suggesting that he needs to regain his confidence and take control of games early to return to his peak form. “If he starts strong, he can regain his confidence, but a poor start will only remind him of past failures,” he warned.
Additionally, Niemann expressed disagreement with Gukesh's choice to withdraw from the 2026 Grand Chess Tour as a full-time participant. Gukesh opted to reduce his schedule following a series of disappointing results to focus on training, while still participating in two rapid and blitz events as a wildcard. Niemann remarked, “I wouldn’t have made that decision. Competing against the best players is the best preparation for a World Championship match.”