Magnus Carlsen's gambit is set to devalue world chess crown

The five-time champion is NOT running away from the challenger. For, he had defeated the same challenger (Ian Nepomniachchtchi of Russia) 4-0 in their match. But the Norwegian is tired of the Matchplay process and feels even the successful campaign is not rewarding enough vis-à-vis the effort.

Carlsen is not hinting only at the prize fund. But he is also talking about the lack of enjoyment and kick that a champion is supposed to get from retaining and extending his reign. The situation could be good for his fans, supporters and himself.

But it's not good for the neutral followers of chess as each sport needs an undisputed official champion. It's like tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic both retiring from the Grand Slams but continuing to play on the Tour. If that happens, all the subsequent major wins by the lesser players, including at Wimbledon, will somewhat lose sheen.

Ditto with next year's World championship chess match between Nepo and China's Ding Liren. Devaluation of the world chess title - where the best player in the world is not the world champion - is not new to FIDE. They had organised the 1993 World Championship match between 'losers' Jan Timman and Anatoly Karpov.

And 'winners' Garry Kasparov and Nigel Short played the breakaway title match. From 1993 to 2005, FIDE came up with their version of champions while Kasparov proved to be the undisputed, unofficial monarch till 2000. Vladimir Kramnik then held the parallel baton till the unification match in 2006.

Karpov (1975) took the vacant seat of 'retired' Bobby Fischer. Kasparov (1985) dethroned Karpov. Vladimir Kramnik (2000) dethroned Kasparov.