Ding Liren will put his World Championship title on the line when he faces D Gukesh in the high-profile clash later in the year. Gukesh, 18, had earned the right to have a go at the title by clinching the Candidates Tournament in Toronto in April. In the process, Gukesh became the youngest champion in the history of the prestigious Candidates Chess Tournament.
Liren, meanwhile, became the champion in 2023 after beating Ian Nepomniachtchi in thrilling fashion after their classical chess games finished in a draw. The 31-year-old Chinese Grandmaster did get lucky in reaching this far after Magnus Carlsen declined to defend his title.
With Delhi, Chennai and Singapore reportedly in contention to host the World Championship, Liren is expected to face stiff resistance from Gukesh, who defied all odds to triumph at the Candidates.
In the interview, Liren talks about the title clash, on the challenger D Gukesh, battle with mental health and who he considers to be the G.O.A.T. of chess.
Watch the exclusive interview with Ding Liren on 6 June at 7 PM IST .
