The match started with a question mark over Ding Liren's emotional condition to handle the pressure. But despite trailing 4-5, it seems that the Chinese world No. 3 has not only recovered but is also posing a real threat to Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Their 14-game World Chess Championship match, which resumes with the 10th game on Sunday after Saturday's rest day, can be already termed as a success. Not just because of five decisive results in the first seven games - an unprecedented outcome in World Matchplay. It has also provided entertaining fights on the board with layers - human and strategic.
