Can the emperor strike back?

Right after losing Game 3 in the World Championship, Ding Liren, looking sullen, was asked how he planned to spend the rest day (Thursday). "I'll wake up and see... The result of this game will maybe influence my emotions on the rest of the day," he said.

- Susan Ninan

He may not have said it in as many words, but perhaps the world champion was alluding to a bit of self-flagellation, apart from preparation.

In the years he played the World Championship, five-time champion Viswanathan Anand hated losing before rest days-"it's the best way to spoil it." Former world champion Garry Kasparov spoke about his "emotional style" not allowing for logical expediency after a loss. "I relied on a tremendous store of energy to get me back on track for the next game, expelling all my anger and regret in a burst before recharging again."

It couldn't have been an easy rest day for Ding. The World Championship between him and challenger D Gukesh stands at 1.5-1.5. Though it's still early to be kicking himself, Ding must hate how he got here.

Ding chose a quick draw in a slightly better position in Game 2 and crumbled in Game 3 under time pressure and angst at being down material and not being able to improve his pieces. It was all the room Gukesh needed to level things.