'Daddy Pays'! Caruana, Niemann, Kramnik Slam Chess.Com As Technical Glitches Mar Online Event

Last Updated:March 19, 2026, 13:03 IST

Caruana revealed that he was penalized for no fault of his own as he was disconnected from an eighth-round game, despite the stability of the internet connection from his end.

Top-rated stars in the Chess fraternity, including the likes of Fabiano Caruana, Hans Niemann and Vladimir Kramnik, slammed the technical glitches that have marred the Chess.com Championships.

Caruana revealed that he was penalized for no fault of his own as he was disconnected from the game during the 8th round of the 90-player Swiss format qualifier, despite his claims that the internet connection from his end was stable.

“The chesscom thing disconnected me and gave me a 0 point bye in round 8 of their event where only 2 places qualify and everyone is within half a point of each other 🙂 my internet didn’t drop out, I was active in the play zone and as soon as the break timer ended it auto forfeits me. Pretty sure I’m not the only one affected by this bug too. It doesn’t even give a time penalty, just instantly forfeits you."

Fellow American Niemann also took a dig at the latent and unreliable connection, which has played a part in the dwindling number of participants at the event.

Nieman shed light on how Russia’s Maxim Matlakov’s disconnection from the game against Nodirbek Abdusattorov, paved the way for the Uzbek to go level on points with himself and compatriot Wesley So. Abdusattorov went on to get the better of So in the qualifying game, denying Niemann a shot at the title.

“Chess mafia strikes again. Matlakov disconnects giving Nodirbek the victory in a dead lost position. Now I’m 4th, narrowly missing 3rd and a chance to qualify."

“Thankfully Endgame will start hosting big $ tournaments. Chess professionals are sick of playing on laggy, unreliable, proctor. Their decrease in participation speaks for itself."

Kramnik took a dig at Chess. com with his response to both the aforementioned American players.

“Congratulations Ian and Nodirbek,though, bitter sweet aftertaste I experienced Fabi “thing" several times myself when playing such rapid events on the platform. Lost four! games because of being suddenly “thrown away" (coincidently, of course:) during or just before games. But most outrageous shame performed in the last round, when Matlakov proctor collapsed and he lost on time in completely winning position. Bad luck for Hans Niemann, he would have qualified otherwise, pure coincidence again Keep silent, guys, daddy pays, all perfect," the Russian said.

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