China’s Ding Liren (Photo: FIDE/Eric Rosen) NEW DELHI: Former world chess champion Ding Liren has been dropped from the FIDE rating list after playing too few games, but he seems to be completely resigned to the situation. Once on top of the chess world, he is now taking a step back and enjoying a quieter phase of his career.Ding, who lost his world title to D Gukesh, said he was happy to be away from the pressure of elite tournaments.
Watch
Exclusive: Hungary #1 Richárd Rapport on Hungarian Chess, GCL, Candidates 2026 and more #chess“I’m quite enjoying my current situation. I mean, I’m an inactive ranked player who rarely participates in elite invitationals. I’m enjoying this rare moment off,” he said.Instead of intense preparation, he now prefers casual online games. Explaining his current approach, Ding added: “I continue to play the occasional game online: it doesn’t require heavy preparation before a match, just undivided focus in the moment. The process itself is rewarding.”Ding became world champion in 2023 after defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi, but his reign was followed by a dip in form and eventual defeat. Despite this, he pushed Gukesh to the final game of the 2024 Championship before losing.Looking back, Ding shared a personal reflection: “I wish my younger self had studied more and stuck with academics a little longer and not let it sink in. That way the later years of life can be richer. People always pursue things they didn’t do (or paths they didn’t take).”For now, Ding seems content to step back from the limelight and focus on a more relaxed relationship with the game.
