Ding Liren’s comeback at Tata Steel Wijk aan Zee is in danger of eclipse this weekend as China’s world champion, who took eight months off at the start of his reign due to an unspecified illness, has shown only glimpses of his former strength and has often bailed out of battle with routine draws.
After 11 of the 13 rounds at the “chess Wimbledon”, Ding trailed in ninth place with 4.5 points, just a solitary win, seven draws and three defeats. He is behind all five of the candidates who will meet in Toronto in April to decide who challenges the 31-year-old for his crown later in 2024.
