 "Hans Niemann and Daniil Dubov. Image: Reuters")
The highly anticipated showdown between Hans Niemann and Daniil Dubov is set to take place in Moscow, Russia, on 7th and 8th March, featuring 18 blitz games with a 3+2 time control. But there’s a unique twist, whoever loses will have to answer one question from the winner under a polygraph test.
Niemann, the controversial American grandmaster, confirmed the match details on social media, writing on X: “6pm Moscow time, live on my Twitch/Youtube. 18 games of 3+2. Loser must answer one question from the Winner under a polygraph!”
The origins of the feud
The rivalry between Niemann and Dubov stems from an incident at the 2024 World Rapid and Blitz Championship in New York. During the Blitz event, Dubov failed to show up for his scheduled match against Niemann, resulting in a forfeit victory for the American.
Dubov later explained his absence to Norwegian media outlet NRK, stating: “I went to the hotel to quickly prepare for the game, but then I fell asleep. When I woke up, it was too late, so I came back later and continued playing.”
Following the controversy, Niemann issued an open challenge to Dubov, offering to cover his travel and accommodation and even pledging a $10,000 donation to a charity of Dubov’s choice if the Russian won.
However, Dubov had his own conditions. He suggested that Niemann undergo a lie detector test administered by a trained professional, referring to the cheating allegations against him. He further proposed a 24-game blitz match with a $2,000-per-point prize if Niemann cleared the test.
“You agree to a lie detector test with a trained professional, I’m certain we can find a trusted independent authority (maybe @demis_hassabis could help?) to pick the company/person to run it. Test to feature only questions about cheating, with the results to be communicated to the community at large. If the test comes out clean, i will accept my decision was rash, and I’m ready to play a 24-game blitz match against you, 8 games a day, 2000$ per point,” he said.
While Niemann did not publicly agree to the lie detector demand at the time, the two finally seemed to have reached a decision, an 18-game match with the loser required to undergo a polygraph test has been announced by the American GM. Fans will be eager to see who will win the match.