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Whereas world chess No. 1 Magnus Carlsen worries that Ding Liren could also be ‘completely damaged,’ the Chinese language grandmaster plans to show issues round after taking a nine-month break to give attention to his psychological well being
MANILA, Philippines – In a sport the place the thoughts is paramount, psychological woes nonetheless hit the very best of them.
Reigning world chess champion Ding Liren opened up on his struggles, admitting he has not been in an important place mentally forward of his much-awaited title protection towards India’s Gukesh Dommaraju for the 2024 World Chess Championship in Singapore from November 25 to December 13.
“My present state is neither exceptionally good nor dangerous as I felt within the one and a half years,” Ding stated in Mandarin, acknowledging the state he went via just lately throughout an interview with Asian media.
The Chinese language grandmaster shared how robust the previous 12 months had been, going via some “kind of deep or worst moments,” whilst he sought skilled assist.
The 31-year-old took a nine-month break final 12 months to give attention to his psychological well being after turning into the world chess champion in Might 2023.
Throughout his break, Ding admitted he has struggled with discovering motivation, hinting at potential retirement quite a few instances.
He resumed his skilled profession in January this 12 months, underperforming within the Tata Metal Chess match that month earlier than dropping 10 of 13 matches within the Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T Problem final February.
In final month’s Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, Ding was winless in eight matches, additional including issues about his well-being forward of the championship protection.
Regardless of the struggles, Ding remained assured he may flip it throughout when he faces Gukesh, who, at 18 years outdated, is the youngest world title challenger in historical past.
“I do know that I’ve been taking part in nice chess. I simply couldn’t win a few of the positions,” stated a relaxed and hopeful Ding.
“I nonetheless consider I can flip that round, possibly throughout the match (towards Gukesh),” he added.
Ding gained the 2023 world title after taking the spot of world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, who begged off after already successful the occasion 5 instances.
The all-time highest-rated Chinese language chess participant finally defeated Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi to win the crown.
Carlsen had since questioned Ding’s skill to defend the championship, implying he may solely be a shell of his former self as soon as his match towards Gukesh rolls round.
“The query is whether or not he’s kind of completely damaged from the final world championship that he performed. I’m unsure, however I believe there’s a chance that he may very well be,” Carlsen stated in a latest interview.
Nonetheless, Ding needs to give attention to the current as he stays upbeat about his on a regular basis life with lower than two months left earlier than his world title protection.
“Life goes on as regular. I nonetheless keep at dwelling; nothing has actually modified… I’m nonetheless engaged on myself,” Ding shared.
“My chess profession may not have gone so effectively within the final one and a half years, however I consider that there will likely be a turning level quickly.” – Rappler.com
