Magnus Carlsen's resignation gambit kicks up row

Magnus Carlsen's decision to resign after just one move against Hans Niemann, the 19-year-old American GM, in the sixth round of the online Generation Cup on Monday night created quite a stir and taken away the spotlight from two Indians (Arjun and Praggu), who are leading at the half-way mark of the league phase. Though Carlsen has not uttered a word against Niemann, it is believed that the Norwegian world champion is protesting against Niemann's history of cheating. Hans Niemann had confessed to cheating in two casual online games.

What’s behind Carlsen’s resignation drama?Magnus Carlsen’s decision to resign after just one move against 19-year-old American Hans Niemann in the sixth round of the online Generation Cup on Monday night created a stir. Carlsen had lost to him twice before Niemann’s confession on cheating — first in an online competitive game last month and then in an over-theboard classical event in St Louis. The world No. 1 did not turn up for the next game in that event and withdrew. Former world champion Garry Kasparov had tweeted after Carlsen’s withdrawal: “I will not delve into the ugly insinuations of the matter now, but must remark on what we do know: World chess champion Magnus Carlsen withdrew from the world’s premier tournament in St Louis, an act with no precedent in the past 50 years, and his explanation is required.”

Seven-time national champion Praveen Thipsay told TOI: “Carlsen is not benefiting from this strange act. But it is not good for the sport.” Carlsen has unprecedented standing in the sport. Taking action against him is not practical. Neither Niemann nor other players in the tournament have lodged a complaint against Carlsen’s act. Prof Kenneth Regan, who has devised chess’