The king is dead. Long live the Ding. Chess has a new world champion, Ding Liren from China. And the 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.