It is not often that a scandal increases the popularity of a sport, but that could be what is happening in the world of chess.
This might be the biggest scandal in the history of chess, and chess has a long and storied history. A 19-year-old, Hans Niemann, defeated the reigning world champion -- not just world champion, but five-time world champion, and not just five-time world champion, but perhaps the greatest player ever.
That would be Magnus Carlsen. Magnus responded by accusing the youngster of cheating. Hans is a confessed cheater, but says he no longer does so. Then, today, Chess.com, surveyed the online games Hans has been in and concluded he likely cheated in 100 games. CNN asked Hans for comment, but he did not respond.
But, all the publicity is stirring up an interest in chess. People are turning to the game. For the world of chess, more good may come out of this than harm.
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