  We report the observation of a novel and non-trivial synchronization state in
a system consisting of three oscillators coupled in a linear chain. For certain
ranges of coupling strength the weakly coupled oscillator pair exhibits phase
synchronization while the strongly coupled oscillator pair does not. This
intriguing "weak-winner" synchronization phenomenon can be explained by the
interplay between non-isochronicity and natural frequency of the oscillator, as
coupling strength is varied. Further, we present sufficient conditions under
which the weak-winner phase synchronization can occur for limit cycle as well
as chaotic oscillators. Employing model system from ecology as well as a
paradigmatic model from physics, we demonstrate that this phenomenon is a
generic feature for a large class of coupled oscillator systems. The
realization of this peculiar yet quite generic weak-winner dynamics can have
far reaching consequences in a wide range of scientific disciplines that deal
with the phenomenon of phase synchronization. Our results also highlight the
role of non-isochronicity (shear) as a fundamental feature of an oscillator in
shaping the emergent dynamics.
