American chess player Hikaru Nakamura has criticized the International Chess Federation (FIDE) for “excessive” anti-cheating measures at the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus.
Nakamura is one of eight players competing in the men's Candidates Tournament. After four rounds, the American is sixth in the Candidates standings. Chess games in the tournament will continue until April 15.
FIDE has implemented anti-cheating protocols during the Candidates Tournament. However, Nakamura criticized the use of scanners and monitoring devices, calling them “excessive.” Hikaru compared the anti-cheating measures to espionage.
“I think it's complete nonsense. I'll just be honest: they scan us before games, after games. They have metal detectors, separate scanners, I mean. I feel like a Mossad agent “Israeli intelligence inside Iran or something. Come on, chess players, let's be honest, seriously,” Reuters quotes Nakamura.
“I understand the concerns at smaller open tournaments where there aren't as many scanners and equipment. But at an event like this, where everyone is in a room, referees are watching everyone, and cameras are pointed at everyone, it's all too much.”
Instead, FIDE Director General Emil Sutovsky, in response to Nakamura's statements, noted that anti-cheating protocols are necessary and stated that most players support them.
“We believe that tough measures against cheating are necessary. Moreover, this opinion is shared by the vast majority of chess players,” said FIDE Director General Emil Sutovsky.
“No other chess player has complained about this – for good reason, since all additional measures monitor and intercept signals without requiring additional searches of the players,” Sutovsky added.
The changes in anti-cheating protocols began after former world champion Magnus Carlsen said his opponent may have cheated after losing to Hans Niemann at the Sinquefield Cup in 2022. Niemann admitted to cheating in online games at the ages of 12 and 16, but denied cheating in that game.