FROM CHAMP TO UNDERDOG

Mental health issues have affected Ding's form ahead of World Chess Championship

- Melvyn Teoh

There has been much chatter in the chess fraternity about reigning champion Ding Liren's recent form and mental state ahead of his blockbuster clash against India's Gukesh Dommaraju for the World Chess Championship in Singapore from Nov 25 to Dec 13.

Ding's peers, such as Norway's world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, and netizens have said that Ding is "not the same player" anymore. It was also reported that the Chinese grandmaster has been struggling with mental health issues.

Asked about those comments during a media interview via Zoom on Sept 30, Ding admitted candidly that they are right.

The 31-year-old 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."

Ding, who took a nine-month break after becoming world champion in April 2023 by beating Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi, shared that he has seen a psychologist for his mental state.

He added: "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.