In Carlsen's absence, Nepo vs Liren battle for World title lacks indisputable tag
The chess world will get a new 'disputed' champion after a gap of 16 years later this month as Russian 'neutralite' Ian Nepomniachtchi faces China's Ding Liren.
Since Vladimir Kramnik defeated Veselin Topalov despite being at the receiving end of Toiletgate in 2006, the 64-square kingdom had an undisputed champion holding the crown.
However, Magnus Carlsen's unwillingness to continue with the defence of his crown without floating a parallel cycle (like Garry Kasparov did in 1993) has created this unique, undesirable situation. Both Nepo and Liren are 'challengers' sans the champion in sight.
When Anatoly Karpov, Vladimir Kramnik and V Anand - among others - won the official /unofficial world crowns from 1993 to 2004, Kasparov was still active and a cut above the rest. And though Kramnik unseated Kasparov in 2000 in matchplay, the latter was No. 1 until his retirement in 2005.
"There is no doubt that the winner of this match won't carry the aura of the World Champion," seven time National champion Praveen Thipsay told TOI. "As long as Carlsen is an active player and maintains his rating supremacy and fares better than the official world champion in elite classical events, we will have this situation."
The five-time world champion from Norway is rated Elo 2853 followed by Nepo (2795) and Liren (2788). "The chances of Fide changing their championship structure and regulations to include Carlsen is close to nil," said Thipsay.
"Moreover, Carlsen has not put forth any conditions for his possible re-entry into the field."
Regardless of the Championship's depleted status, the real chess with classical time control will be at the forefront for the next three weeks. That allows the complete gamut of chess facets like planning, preparation, team work, time and nerve management, patience, strategy, calculation, over-the board problem solving ability and stamina.
Pause WWF (shorter time control and online chess with less pressure), welcome real cerebral war. Pravin Thipsay said Nepo's win probability is in the region of 60 to 65%. He is strategically far stronger but not too great defensively. Ding must create chances in the phase between opening and early middle game where Nepo has shown his vulnerability.
"I hope they won't play computer vs computer lines," said Thipsay. "Sticking to their strengths if they show their original ideas in Kings Indian Defence, Benoni or Grunfeld will be great for chess."
