Ding Liren's First Win at the 2020 FIDE Candidates

Just when I said he might be going on tilt, Grandmaster Ding Liren of China strikes back with a huge victory as White over American Fabiano Caruana.

The team -- GM Dejan Bojkov, NM Jeremy Kane, Peter Doggers -- and myself all contributed toward the analysis below, and I hope you'll also check out the video lecture over on our YouTube channel.

GAME:

VIDEO:

Personally, I must say I'm really enjoying the event from Yekaterinburg. In my memory, this is the most "hard fought" (from the outset anyway?) Candidates Tournament we've had in a long, long time. We haven't had a single round yet -- knocks on wood -- with all draws, and the players seem to be in good form for the most part (especially after Ding ended his losing streak today). 

Watching the chess as a fan, and doing commentary for the community, has been a breath of fresh air. My heart and mind is with so many people being negatively affected by the virus and the "environmental" affects of COVID-19 right now , so to have this event going on -- speaking for myself and I think many chess fans around the world -- has been a healthy distraction.

I hope the quality chess and healthy living for the players in Russia continues. 

Peace to the people.