Carlsen triumphed, but he has lost the fire of a champion

Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen was slated by a disappointed chess world for the ‘cowardly’ way he offered a draw in his world title decider against Fabiano Caruana

Magnus Carlsen do battle in London last week Picture: Getty

To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man – but, in chess, the man has lost his fire. Game 12, the final game of regulation play in the World Championship, was there for Magnus Carlsen’s taking.

The Norwegian’s road to the title and his initial run of defences were those of a man who wanted to play like a champion. Carlsen sought battle, to prove any board in any place was ...