The tenth match of the World Chess Championship will be held tomorrow. Both Ding Liren and Gukesh have been asked all sorts of questions in the nine matches so far. Here are the best responses and what we learned about the players from the responses:
In the press conference after match 8, both players were asked what they would do if they had to visit a tourist spot on Sentosa Island, where the World Chess Championship 2024 is being held. Both players were given three options: Adventure Cove Waterpark, Universal Studios or the Aquarium. And there was a catch, they had to meet one of these together.
“There is not much difference (between all three). They are all for children,” smiled Ding Liren.
Ding Liren ‘not hiding’
At the 2023 World Chess Championship in Astana against Ian Nepomniacchi, Ding spent much of his time away from the board in his private players’ lounge.
Not this time. For example in Game 1, Ding spent 245 minutes in his chair without a break.
“Today I spent the whole game sitting on the board. Not hiding in the players’ lounge like in the first game last time,’ he smiled after defeating Gukesh in Game 1.
Ding doesn’t know what ‘chilling’ is
Ding Liren was asked after Game 6 if he had seen the Ding Chillin’ meme. Ding Chillin’ is a play on the phrase “bing chillin'”. This is how the word ice cream sounds in Mandarin (bing qi lin). The phrase “binge chilling” became popular around the world when wrestler-turned-actor John Cena said it in a video. During the World Championships, fans aware of the phrase “Bing Chillin'” began referring to it as Ding Chillin’ to the World Champion.
Ding Liren said he was unaware of the Ding Chillin’ meme. Or, the meaning of the word ‘chilling’.
“What does chilling mean?” He asked laughing journalist. When the moderator, Grandmaster Maurice Ashley, said that to chill was to relax and was also related to an ice cream brand in China, Ding replied: “I don’t have ice cream here.”
Does Ding Liren get help from the engine in the game?
After Game 9, both players were asked if they were allowed to check the engine for one move during Game 9, which move would they do it on. Ding smiled and said, “I didn’t need it at any time today. So maybe I’ll save it for later.”
Ding reads comments – even from former world champions – harsh
Ding Liren’s predecessors on the world champion’s throne, such as Vladimir Kramnik and Magnus Carlsen, have criticized the level of play at the world championships in their YouTube recap videos.
The Chinese GM was asked if he was aware of the criticism about him and if it affected him.
“Yes, I have seen people say that I always underestimated my position and Gukesh always exaggerated it. I saw someone saying that I am drawing even when I win. It does not affect me. They are just telling the truth,” said Ding.
Ding Liren is a bit of a philosopher
After Game 6, Ding Liren was asked how he could be prepared – where he had already memorized his lines before the game – but still spent a lot of time thinking about his moves.
Ding’s answer was profound: “Because there are many lines prepared and this was only one line. The preparation is like an iceberg. You see the raised position (the tip of the iceberg). But there are many preparations that do not appear on board. It is under the sea.”
In another press conference after Game 1, Ding was asked about spending too much time on the board, joking: “Time flies so fast.”
Ding can’t maintain a poker face
In the press conference after Game 4, both players were asked if they practice keeping a poker face, especially when the opponent makes a mistake.
“Since I’m unable to watch my reactions during the game, I don’t know if I’m able to keep a poker face,” smiles Ding. “If my opponent does something wrong, I think I will show some expression.”
Ding Liren likes to face the lake
After Game 4, Ding Liren has a time capsule and is asked if any player from history could play, who would it be? “He is no longer with us, but I want to play against Mikhail Tal.”
Ding praises Lamar Odom?!
After Game 5, when both players were asked which players they admired most away from chess, Ding gave another profound answer. “It’s hard to say ‘admire.’ But before, I used to watch a lot of NBA. So I used to admire Lamar Odom. And now I like Federico Chisa. They’re not that famous,” Ding said.
Which past world champion inspires Ding Liren?
Ding Liren singles out Veselin Topalov and Magnus Carlsen as former world champions who inspire him.
What book influenced Ding Liren the most?
Game Changer (a book about AlphaZero’s playing style and strategy and the science behind it).
Ding Liren is not afraid of time problems
In the World Championship, Ding Liren has already lost 3 games in time and has come dangerously close to disaster a few times. When asked if he was worried about it after Game 7, he said, ‘I have been in trouble many times because of the black pieces. I’m used to it now.”
A past World Championship match that favors Ding Liren
Topalov vs. Anand “It’s the first time I’ve followed a World Championship match closely,” he said.
If Ding Liren becomes world champion again…
After Game 6, both players were asked what they would do after becoming world champions: “Last time I cried after becoming world champions. This time I can smile.”