Editorial: Chess tries reining in game's bad boys

Chess has been marred in recent years by disputes. Is there hope for the Royal Game?

There has been disarray in the sport, but the World Chess Federation, which is holding the world championship in Las Vegas this month, has taken steps in recent years it hopes will bring civility back to the game.

In June the International Olympic Committee recognized chess as a sport. Over time this likely means the game will bear a much higher profile, with millions of fans tuning into Olympic competitions and championship tournaments. The World Chess Federation is correct to recognize that with this higher profile, organized chess must project a more credible image. The logical place to start is with the chess world's most prestigious event, the world championship, which is being held this month in Las Vegas.

In recent decades matches have been set and then canceled with little notice. No consistent format has been adhered to. Players have tossed ridiculous allegations at each other and have shown no regard for their fans. At times the top players have made tennis player John McEnroe at his worst seem like a model of sportsmanship. A new, no-nonsense knock-out format of deciding the world championship has been under way all this month here at Caesars Palace. While still in its evolutionary stages, it looks promising. No single player can halt the competition. New stars can be born. Tie-breaks at faster time limits are consistent with fan demand.

Most importantly, for the sake of all the young people coming into chess, the new format is looking to produce gentlemen champions. On the board, few games teach as many of life's lessons as chess. It's time the champion's behavior off the board taught some positive lessons, too.

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