The king is dead. Long live the Ding. Chess has a new world champion, Ding Liren from China. And the T day after his thrilling victory against the Russian player Ian Nepomniachtchi, he is sitting talking to the Guardian, energy spent after a 24-day, 18-game marathon soaked in tension and wild momentum swings. It turns out Ding has a nickname, Silent Storm, and it is as well judged as his final moves in the match. "Well, I am quiet," he says, his voice rising barely above a whisper. "But then over the board..."
Thunder on the board, drama off it. That was the story of this world championship, which came about after Magnus Carlsen decided to abdicate his throne and ended with Ding as the 17th classical chess world champion in history.
Some of what played out in Astana is well known: the fact Ding admitted he was depressed after the first game, recovered, and then entered another dip after having his opening preparation leaked. But not everything. Just 24 hours after his defeat, Nepomniachtchi reveals how disaster struck him on the eve of Sunday's crucial tiebreak, after the classical chess part of the match finished in a 7-7 draw.
The Russian endured major sleep problems during his unsuccessful attempt to beat Carlsen in 2020, so he had come to Astana prepared. "I had some medicine to make sure I can fall asle . And at 1am I found it had vanished. I guess the lady who cleaned the room, just..."
He stops. "It was also sort of a lottery because there were three or four different pills. But the priceless one was just gone. It was sort of unlucky, I guess. I really hope it was a coincidence. Otherwise..."
This story is from the May 02, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 02, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Postecoglou claims coach's life is harder than being PM
A Premier League manager has a tougher job than the prime minister, according to Ange Postecoglou.
Rashford rebuked Players must talk to manager not media - Amorim
Ruben Amorim has said when he was a player he would have spoken to his manager about being dropped rather than react in the media, as Marcus Rashford has done.
Tonali double puts rampant Newcastle into last four
A sticking plaster for Newcastle's internal tensions or a potential long-term cure for their problems? Whatever the reality Eddie Howe's inconsistent team are a two-leg semi-final away from a potentially transformative Wembley showpiece after two stellar first-half goals from Sandro Tonali and another from Fabian Schär undid an immensely disappointing Brentford on Tyneside.
Jesus hat-trick delivers early Christmas gift as Arsenal topple Palace
It seems fitting that Gabriel Jesus should have chosen this time of year to end his goalscoring drought.
Elliott the difference as Rusk's Southampton put up late fight
It was a night that Simon Rusk will never forget, the one when he took charge of Southampton for the first time in the wake of Russell Martin's sacking and carried the fight to Arne Slot and Liverpool.
United circus has derailed Rashford but fresh start is no guarantee of success
It was two years ago yesterday that Argentina won the World Cup. England had gone out to France in the quarterfinals and, beyond the usual kneejerk attacks on Gareth Southgate, there was a sense of general optimism.
Maresca still 'trusts' Mudryk after failed drugs test
Enzo Maresca has thrown his support behind Mykhailo Mudryk, saying he believes the Chelsea winger's insistence that he is innocent of taking a banned substance.
Caldentey's late spot-kick secures first place for Arsenal
A late Mariona Caldentey penalty powered Arsenal to the top of Group C in the Champions League at Bayern Munich's expense after a Magda Eriksson double looked to have secured a draw for the visitors.
Taylor 'desperate' for a break as brilliant Barça take top spot from City
Manchester City's head coach, Gareth Taylor, says his team desperately need the upcoming winter break to bolster their squad, after they were comprehensively outplayed by a Barcelona side who reminded everybody why they are the reigning European champions with an emphatic win.
Freddie calls up Flintoff as teen makes the grade for Lions tour
Rocky Flintoff has been called up to his father's Lions squad for next month's tour of Australia, with England using the trip to give young bowlers who are already in contention for a place in the senior Test squad experience of local conditions before next winter's Ashes.
