Chess and Mental Health

Ding Liren disclosed struggles with mental health following his victory of the World Chess Championship in 2023.

Sleep deprivation, traveling and the pressures of media scrutiny prove to be very taxing. How can one play in a fragile state? Fellow players note concern for Ding Liren at Norway Chess where he had already lost games consecutively.

Magnus notes that he hopes Liren to "not be permanently broken" (chessbase.com), and Nakamura states:

"it is very clear that he’s not the same person he was back when I played him in 2022. Everything, including the body language, doesn’t feel right. I guess that’s one way of putting it." - Nakamura (indianexpress.com)

Can Ding recover before he faces Gukesh?

This is very sad news although it sheds light on mental health issues in the chess world. 

I hope the best for Liren. He strikes me as someone very private and down to earth. The spotlight can be too bright. 

I hope he enjoys chess again.