World Chess Champion Ding Liren, who took over the crown from Magnus Carlsen just last year, has withdrawn from the prestigious Norway Chess tournament mid-event, citing health concerns and what he described as a generally “bad state.” While chess may be known for its mental toll rather than its rigorous cardiovascular demands, Ding seemed to have hit the grandmaster equivalent of a physical wall at around round five.
“Unfortunately, Ding Liren has decided to withdraw from the event due to health issues,” the Norway Chess organizers said in a statement that was as diplomatic as it was succinct. “After round 5, Ding informed the arbiter and the organisers that he will not be able to continue the tournament.” In the official world of chess announcements, this qualifies as a confession of monumental proportions.
Ding arrived in Stavanger after what can only be described as a less-than-stellar run since claiming the world title. His performance at the ongoing event offered fewer fireworks than a damp Fourth of July, and his play was marked by a level of low energy that could make a sloth look like a triathlete. The reigning champion scored just 1.5 points in five rounds, and before you ask, that is not a good thing.
To make matters worse or perhaps more curious Ding seemed to be one foot in and one foot out from the start. He declined pre-tournament interviews and skipped the opening blitz event, which usually serves as a warm-up but is increasingly beginning to look like a medieval gauntlet with better lighting.
“After the match, I was very exhausted and I felt like my life, my mental state and my body were in a bad level for a long time,” Ding told Grandmaster Cristian Chirila with the candour of someone who just discovered honesty is still free.
The World Champion also admitted he had essentially played no chess prior to arriving in Norway. “I didn’t play chess for a long time, for several months. Especially in the Candidates, I also played very little.” Just to clarify, the Candidates tournament determines who gets a shot at the World Championship and is generally considered an occasion worth preparing for. Ding’s version of preparation, it seems, involved avoiding chess with the dedication of a teenager dodging chores.
With his abrupt exit, Ding nets a highly unofficial award for Most Confusing Title Defense Strategy, and his departure guarantees that all remaining players will receive a free point for their forfeited games against him, like party favors handed out at a very awkward gathering.
Reactions in the chess world have been part concern and part bemused head-shaking. Magnus Carlsen, who is competing in the tournament and likely watched Ding’s departure with the smug serenity of a man who dodged this whole thing by stepping down from the title, simply proceeded to take the lead in the standings without much fuss.
Ding, meanwhile, has returned to China, hopefully to rest, recover and perhaps, at some point, remember why he decided to become World Champion in the first place.
Because sometimes, even kings need a move timeout.