With the most important date in the Annual Chess Calendar looming ahead just more than a month away, Ding Liren and Gukesh D have been suddenly put into the spotlight in the Chess World. The World Chess Championship match is due to start on the 25th of November with the Indian Prodigy challenging for the crown of the World Champion against the current champion, the Chinese no.2, Ding Liren.
What was seemingly thought of being a spicy affair, has dwindled down to an eventual walkover in the eyes of many. And there are two reasons for that. Firstly, Gukesh’s rise to the very top of the Chess world in the past few months including his triumph with the Indian team at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024. Secondly, the downfall of Ding Liren, who has failed to win a classical Chess game since January 27, is more than 250 days at the time of writing this article.
In fact, ever since winning the WCC, or the World Chess Championship in April last year against Ian Nepomniachtchi, Ding Liren’s form in Classical, and Chess in General has spiralled down massively. His fans and supporters have cited that the Chinese Grand Master is fighting his “inner demons” as the reason behind his downfall.
While all of these are speculations, Ding Liren actually was interviewed by a Singaporean outlet where he talked about his current form and what it means in the lead-up to the all-important clash against Gukesh D.
By his own admission, Ding believes that the man who reached the brilliant Elo 2816 a few years back is not the man who will show up in November. As early as January last year, Ding Liren’s rating was only second to Magnus Carlsen at 2811, but as of today, it has dropped down to 2728.
During the interview, Ding Liren said, “It doesn’t seem like I’ve been playing the way I used to… and their assessment is correct and I don’t know if I will ever reach that level again.” Further adding, “I feel as per normal, the doctor has given some advice (on how to cope). Recently, I have been playing basketball after dinner, trying not to give myself too much stress.”
Talking about him not being the favourite, the Chinese World Champion says it suits him, stating, “I’ll then surprise them.” But realistically, it seems unlikely that Ding Liren is going to surprise anyone, let alone Gukesh D. Do you think Ding Liren is capable of springing a surprise or will Gukesh D overpower him at the World Chess Championship Match? Let us know in the comments below.
