Check this out, mate: A history of chess chairs

THE WORLD CHESS TITLE BATTLE GOES ON FOR WEEKS AND EACH GAME SPANS SEVERAL HOURS. NOBODY WANTS TO BE IN AN UNCOMFORTABLE CHAIR IN THAT TIME

- Susan Ninan

Even before the first move was played in Game 1 of the World Chess Championship on Monday, the playing arena behind the soundproof glass panel offered a striking contrast. At one end of the board was an intimidatingly large gaming chair – complete with cushioned neck and head rest, and all the frills. On the other, was a simple office chair. The first belonged to challenger D Gukesh, and the other to Ding. Each player had selected a chair of their choice from seven options provided to them by the organisers.

Player chairs have, on multiple occasions, been contentious pieces of furniture in World Championship matches. In a contest that lasts for weeks, with each game spanning hours, players spend a sizable amount of time sitting. No one wants to be stuck in an uncomfortable chair.