World Chess C’ship played at highest level of fair play, says Fide chief after accusation against Ding Liren

SINGAPORE – Former world chess champion Ding Liren has received the backing of the International Chess Federation (Fide) president after he was accused of “deliberately” losing Game 14 of the World Chess Championship to India’s Gukesh Dommaraju at Resorts World Sentosa on Dec 12.

Russia’s state-run Tass news agency quoted Chess Federation of Russia president Andrei Filatov as saying that “the result of the last game caused bewilderment among professionals and chess fans”, after the Chinese grandmaster’s late blunder handed Gukesh the title when the game had seemed headed for a draw.

The 18-year-old, who won 7.5-6.5 in the best-of-14 match, also became the youngest world champion, surpassing a record held by Russia’s Garry Kasparov, who won the title at 22 in 1985.

Filatov said “the defeat of the Chinese chess player in today’s game raises a lot of questions and looks like a deliberate one”, adding that it requires a “separate investigation by Fide”.

Asked about Filatov’s claims, Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich, a Russian, told The Straits Times on Dec 13: “I think this event was played at the highest level of fair play by both players.

“We have no doubts about that, so no investigation is needed. I saw the players, talked to them and I know how honest they are. No doubts about it.”

When asked about Filatov’s accusation, Ding said: “It’s nonsense.

“He (Filatov) may have overestimated me and thought that I wouldn’t make such a low-level mistake. But in fact, any mistake can happen without (proper) calculation.

“My current level is still a little far away from my best, but now the disparity is only magnified (because of this match). Yes, I still have obvious weaknesses, some calculation errors and some inaccurate judgments.”

The Wenzhou native said he was the underdog heading into this world championship. He had opened up about his mental health struggles, having taken a nine-month break after clinching the 2023 title with a tiebreak victory over Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Despite critics saying that the 32-year-old would be “massacred” by Gukesh, Ding surprised the chess fraternity and started his title defence on Nov 25 by winning the first game.

Gukesh won Games 3 and 11, with Ding clinching Game 12, while nine other games ended in draws.

Had Game 14, which took more than four hours, also ended in a draw, a tiebreak would have been played on Dec 13.

But Ding’s blunder allowed Gukesh to make history and pocket US$1.35 million (S$1.82 million) in prize money, while he will take home US$1.15 million.

After giving short answers at the post-match press conference, a sullen Ding left for dinner with some friends and played online chess till 2am, before heading to bed.

In an interview on Dec 13, Ding said: “At first I didn’t feel much but, after a while, I felt terrible. I had actually seen the path to a draw, but it was a shame I couldn’t execute and end the game.

“The last edition had a soul-stirring ending, a very exciting victory. It’s the same this time but now (I am) full of regrets. This experience is very similar to this year’s Olympiad (in September). It is always unsatisfactory with me falling at the last moment. The Indian team was very good in the Olympiad and now at this championship.”

Before returning home, he will explore Singapore and visit landmarks as it is his first time here.

“For next year… my schedule is blank,” he added. “I have a few invitations to rapid tournaments, but I’ll consider my options first… rapid games are more relaxing and not such a big test. The key is to be more relaxed and have some fun.

“The good news is that there won’t be so many interviews and event invitations, so I can live the rest of my life more freely.”