The World Chess Champion Opens Up About His Struggles

[@KFC5747]

hearing ding saying he may not deserve the support from his fans is heart breaking. im rooting for u ding!!!❤❤❤

[@boba6002]

I think he views the support as being from his play, when many fans are instead drawn to how nice and respectful he is. However it goes, I think everyone wishes him well. There are some great players who don't have that support.

[@loneranterism]

I'm Indian...and even I love Ding. Win or lose...support for Ding would continue. He remains a humble genius...for now and forever

[@rohithbhup]

You fell for that cute face of ding bro

[@System.Error.]

maybe ding would retire from chess if he loses the match

[@prcbras]

Seriously, I became so much more invested in chess ever since I fell in love with Ding as a player. He absolutely deserves the support of fans, and he has contributed a lot to the sport. His journey is incredible and he's one of the best players of all time, stats don't lie. The fact that he's struggling now doesn't make him undeseving of fans, it only makes him more relatable and human.

[@CareyFan]

Ding seems like such a sweetheart. Completely honest. Even admits he may not have ambition to win. I think Gukesh is the favorite, but I think people are also prematurely writing Ding off. I think Ding will surprise some people with how much heart he really has.

[@Viva-la-de-hs4ub]

Ding ain't got no dong left man

[@Instinct_JM]

If you think about it Ding's greatest attribute that got him the World Championship in the 1st place is heart. The heart to keep trying after his secret account got leaked. The heart to finish Game 4 of rapid instead of going to blitz. Ding has heart. I will be rooting for him win or lose.

[@ndnd7614]

Plays bad, match going to end in 8 games

[@indcredible7839]

Everyone is writing off Ding, except Gukesh. Listen to his interviews about him.

[@AryanMahipal]

He hasn't won a single classic match this year. That makes him underdog and yes poorly rated

[@ChessGrandmaster]

Ding Liren left the biggest impression on me as a first-time chess Olympian in 2018. I was meeting these icons for the first time. We met Ding at the layover in Istanbul on our way to Batumi. His foot was hurt and he was using crutches. We excitedly approached him to say hi...when he saw us coming over, he reached for his crutches, put them under his armpits, struggled (and I mean there was some noticeable difficulty) to stand up! Why? So that he could greet us respectfully, standing, with a kind, respectful smile and true compassion. Mind you, I was a first time, middle aged, African, ELO 2032. In my mind, World Chess Champion Ding Liren is a world champion human being. A great human being!! A great human!! Ding if you read this, thank you!

[@prcbras]

what a beautiful story!

[@frednimzowi9852]

Thank you so much for your great anecdote.

[@nyztan0]

Ding is certainly a good dude, he has compassion

[@justinbent5848]

🥲

[@qusigh]

I mean ding did it , he is the world champion, even if he loses it he's still the 17th champion and no one can take that away from it , he reached the top so congratulations.

[@starman923]

Absolutely... Even if he loses, he's the 17th World Champ and that in itself is gr8

[@prcbras]

Exactly, one of the most exciting and emotional back and forth championships too. I was there, and people were HYPED! So many moments, freezing at the board, his pawn push to a stunning mate in game 6, and rook g6 self-pin with less than a minute on the clock will always be remembered. I still believe he can put up a good fight or even win again, but even if not, it's ok. He's one of the 17 who did it so far

[@wconradjr]

Here here.

[@omidmoa]

True but Magnus kind of made it meaningless by not playing. It's like you're world champion but we all know who's really the best

[@wconradjr]

@@omidmoa the logic is flawed, Magnus didn’t compete. End of story. Magnus is the goat, and there’s no arguing that, and he’s been world champion before. Part of being world champion, is competing in the tournament. If you’re not there, you don’t get to lay claim. You gonna say the same thing about any future world champ if it’s not Magnus? Come back to earth, bruh.

[@maneve2]

It breaks my heart that Ding is struggling so much and almost feeling unworthy of the support. He's still an incredible player who has shown through a lifetime that he is one of the all time greats, a little struggle now doesn't erase any of that. Ding, you're a wonderful person and win or lose you absolutely deserve our respect and support!

[@lobsterboy8148]

This channel is exactly what the chess world needed. Taking things to a new level. Big thanks to Magnus and all involved. Brilliant.

[@josefstrudelowski]

How much did they pay you?

[@PC-vp2cg]

​@@josefstrudelowski It's just facts...

[@josefstrudelowski]

@@PC-vp2cg The next shill guy

[@madschristiandamgaardchris1393]

Agreed! This is actual journalism and not just two gms going over a game. Finally they are back!

[@prcbras]

I'm very happy to see the more human side of the chess sport explored. All the interviews of players were fantastic

[@cherrylk4188]

I wish Ding would realize that we don't love him because he's good at chess. We love him because he's Ding Liren. And he'll always deserve support just for that

[@mbgmail5911]

If he wasn't good at chess you would have never cared or known about him.

[@jisooya7878]

1:00 Introduction 7:37 Sagar Shah Interview 13:26 Ding Liren Interview 18:45 Bu Xiangzhi (Ding's friend) Interview 20:24 Wesley So, MVL, Anish Giri Interview 23:50 Magnus Carlsen Interview

[@EvovoAnna]

Thank you.

[@AlinaAlinka-dp5oo]

Спасибо 🌷

[@CharlySardoGaming]

Wesley just brought me tears. So good.

[@prcbras]

For me it was Sagar, I found his words really touching. This was so well done, like a real documentary

[@prakharanand5760]

"im proud of you for winning" "we're love you and we're proud of you" yeah, i think ding needs to hear that man... as he said the chinese govt prolly putting him under tremendous pressure, fkn horrible

[@Chronicles-t9t]

wesley knows coz he has been in there. He was a very strong player but he kinda fell off for some reason. Still a super GM but not at his best

[@CharlySardoGaming]

@@prcbras I love Sagar too. He apparently works hard and you can just tell his is a genuine good person. Someone to look up to :)

[@CharlySardoGaming]

@@prakharanand5760 That may be the case or it could be something else. Whatever the case, he seems like a nice guy and I hate to see him suffer.

[@azrafuddin7198]

Can we take a moment to appreciate how perfectly the interviews and podcasts were conducted by Take Take Take in this video? 👏🔥 Was waiting for such a proper video regarding Ding Liren's thoughts on the World Championship match!

[@luipe6708]

No. Creating Ding's profile creation by Magnus was unnecessary

[@mitchti14]

Once a world champion always a world champion. We can be our own worst critics sometimes but I’m sure the discourse from people basically taunting and making fun of him can’t help. Seems like such a genuine man. I wish Ding the best and we will be here to enjoy his journey with him, wherever it takes him

[@Yash42189]

uhmm... not sure how much that statement applies to the post Magnus champions tbh

[@mitchti14]

Can you point out which part in particular that Magnus invalidates from what I said?

[@zacharybiddle853]

@@Yash42189you can only compete against who’s in front of you.

[@Luffy31236]

@@mitchti14the part where historically the “strongest” players would be the ones defending the title, and now it’s just another player, who is no where near his peak, there’s 20 other players with higher rating and at least 5-8 others who have consistently shown way better performances against/compared to him. He has a chance at a miraculous comeback but if I had to bet a dollar, it wouldn’t be on ding

[@MBMASTR]

​@@Yash42189 True to be the real Champion, you need to beat a Champion.

[@alokkumar8642]

He is such a sweet guy. So calm so truthful. Gem of a person. I am Indian and of course I am deeply rooting for Gukesh. However it would still be sad to see this guy lose.

[@vijendraparashar]

Wow, watching Sagar Shah for around 2 years and its only after this interview I realised how good a storyteller he is and how good he reads personalities. Sagar shah segment was the highlight of this video.

[@physco4641]

He has always been a great story teller. His blogs on his channel and website are an absolute delight to read and are admired by everyone.

[@boba7709]

Sagar Shah is the best!

[@samuelnjogu96]

Average punjabi bias

[@physco4641]

@@samuelnjogu96 what? Who's Punjabi here. What u talking about..

[@ItachiUchiha-mh8hn]

Fr I hate when he is doin commentary cuz he's shouting most of the times. But didn't know he was chill like that.

[@Pjbfrrr]

Rooting for Ding, I hope he does well ❤ it's clear he's very hard on himself

[@lucafrau7461]

Guys this documentary series must keep going, this is truly something which can makes chess “speak for itself” as someone says, hope to see more of this, keep it up guys!

[@ZacBelcher]

Guys this is a really well put together video, very good, love this style of content. Let’s raise love, awareness and support for Ding this November- I’m rooting for him big time!

[@Medico4545]

Ding please dont lose hope . I know it must be really hard . But self belief and confidence can do miracles . I hope the best for you . But your win or loss wont make much of a difference to your well wishers . You will always be a great and humble chess player . Stay strong . We will always support you . Lots of love from india ❤

[@patrickx6940]

Liren is such a sweetheart

[@valdysatria3914]

sad to see Ding performing so well last year, and just completely vanish this year. He grew to become one of my favorite players these past few years. come back strong king, we're rooting for you!

[@hyp3raimz]

Good luck to Ding very humble person

[@jopekpl3986]

I want to see Ding come back to his peak. I'm really rooting for him

[@wooshbait36]

He was never really at the Super GM level; he got the title by fluke. We all know it would have been different if Magnito, Hikari or Andrew Peng had competed.

[@luckyluke5527]

​@@roibot1122you can tell he's not serious when he speaks about "Andrew Peng"

[@wooshbait36]

@ I disagree.

[@wooshbait36]

@@roibot1122 I ain’t reading your L takes anymore lil bro. Good luck and sorry that happened 🙏

[@rionvaletaala4666]

​@@wooshbait36 he has the best unbeaten streak, 100+ classical games. No one could ever break that.

[@designsbyhiroki]

Love Wesley's comment. You're good Ding, you got your whole life ahead of you. Dont think, just play.

[@maikschubert-k5q]

thought the same, Wesley seems to be a really good person to me

[@fizzybossyt8675]

Ding is definitely in my top 4 favorite chess players. Hes such a wholesome character

[@milansvancara]

IMHO both Gukesh and Ding are very humble and kind personalities, something incredibly rare in the top tier chess world:)

[@DaudZaidi]

great to see Kaja and David together hosting. Seems like nostalgia of 2022 Champion Chess Tour where they used to commentate together in a studio. The best broadcast till date in my opinion.

[@ropotirastas1290]

Kaja underrated af love hers energy

[@nis99]

I am from India & want Gukesh to win. But I hope Ding recovers health wise & he finds happiness.❤

[@abirvaabchatterjee6439]

7:37 Sagar Shah receiving recognition is my favourite thing! 😭❤

[@shubhankgupta5937]

His channel already has 2 mil subs tho . The chess world knows him.

[@backslash8874]

Sagar Saha is already a well known figure in Chess and a successful man. He doesn't need recognition! It's rather he giving recognition to new chess players.

[@abracadabra16234]

​@@backslash8874brother it's Sagar Shah, not Sagar Saha 😂 you turned a Gujarati guy into a Bengali guy 😂😂

[@backslash8874]

@@abracadabra16234 aahahahaha Till now, I use to think his roots are from Bengal. Didn't knew Gujarat has an equivalent Surname. Every day you learn something new! 😂

[@LordArishem2008]

I am heartbroken for ding he is such a great player and an even better person it’s unfortunate that he is struggling at such a time

[@prcbras]

I absolutely loved the first 3 quarters of this video. David, Sagar, Ding himself and other interviews were absolutely great. It was a really well done docu about Ding the player and his current situation. The last part about Magnus rating Ding doesn't fit, it should have been a different video. A lot of this is a tribute to Ding Liren, beautifuly put together, and then Magnus giving Ding a bunch of low scores brings down the tone of the video and ends on a bit of a sour note. It felt unrelated in my opinion. Still as a Ding fan, this is incredible content, absolutely love the production value. It was a joy to watch and it even made me emotional. Ding doesn't have social media so it's hard to keep up with him, this was a great treat, i'm very appreciative.

[@shvm.]

How can you hate this guy

[@boba7709]

right?

[@chessitochesstuber]

The interview with Sagar is spot on. I loved his words. I'm rooting for Liren. Now and always.

[@epicjen]

I love Ding. I hope he feels better, whether or not the match goes his way!

[@paldr_fighter]

Fantastic episode and solid content quality! Look forward to more from Take Take Take.

[@paulwilliams182]

18:25 with ding talking so lowly about himself brought me to tears, I support you ding just cause you slip doesn’t mean you’re down forever you got this!

[@ElderScrollsVINews]

We ❤you ding! I am rooting for you daily you’re my favorite chess player and you got this!!!! No matter what you are absolutely awesome.

[@udaygill3937]

Great production, used to miss the chess24 Champions Chess Tour broadcast, happy to see Kaja and David back!

[@thelurker3795]

God he is so sweet and genuine, its hard not to root for him... Anyway, impressive work by Take3x team, from the podcast to the interviews, the thoughts of other top players, his past performances, his current skill level and also his psychological state, they covered pretty much everything. Bravo.

[@PepperfryPanvel]

Such an honest soul Ding is, I am from India and a gukesh Supporter, but I hope he will come back strongly

[@errgh]

Wow, this is super impressive. You all are just getting started, and this already may be the best produced chess content I’ve seen in months. Top-notch production quality, fascinating interviews and insights, and all of it presented at a level that a non-titled sub-1000 fan like myself can understand. This is the future of chess coverage. Subscribed. 🫡

[@clonereaper7665]

Wesley is so wholesome

[@LukeJAllen]

WESLEY is SO wholesome?? 😉

[@BlunderDownUnder]

He's into some entirely unwholesome alt-right stuff.

[@PowerbangGaming]

That's a really incredible studio the way it is set up. 360 degrees of set - very cool.

[@adazen3496]

I'm also for Ding, there are Players out there that I like / favor more, but his struggle and character is closer to me than anything else. fingers crossed for good results!

[@Xi-op7gg]

He is a humble human. He knows exactly what is happening. And because of that, it’s hard not to like him and root for him. Gukesh would be a deserving champion as well though.

[@bananamonkeygaming14]

Unlike nepo

[@viscaelbarcayviscacataluny1979]

(edited)

[@Jyotimoy-s3w]

so you do not like gukesh?

[@sosa7k169]

@@Jyotimoy-s3wHe is free to like whoever?

[@Jyotimoy-s3w]

@@sosa7k169 yes but I don't like the fact just because he looks innocent he should win.

[@maruf7956]

@@Jyotimoy-s3w Opinion differs

[@yefer-gz5vu]

@@Jyotimoy-s3w hes just too new, there is not much about him

[@debpriyaseal]

I am from India, so me supporting Gukesh is obvious. But I relate with Ding, I see myself in him. Not in chess, but his personality. Either way this world championship would be very difficult to watch.

[@starman923]

Me too

[@avinkon]

David Howell’s energy infectious ,.. love his commentary ❤, just subscribing bcz of him

[@AmClinton_sean]

Who else is rooting for ding how can you not love this guy💗💗💗💗 you can do this ding💯💯💯💯💯

[@akshar8160]

Loved this. This type of content fills the gap in chess and makes it more interesting and easy to follow. It makes the chess feels more modern, more sporty and more commercial. Keep doing what you are doing!

[@carolagerhardt889]

Good to see David and Kaya back in a studio! I miss the old Champions Chess Tour with the old gang Kaya, Davod, Jovanca and Simon. Their good vibes and excellent beginner friendly commentary got me into chess and taught me almost everything I know!

[@stianaslaksen5799]

I have indeed been missing David commentating. Glad he is back! He and Sagar Shah(chessbase) are the best, no doubt in my mind.

[@nosnaj]

This was a great video. Echoing what others are saying. Really needed in the chess world.

[@brennanshrider65]

Most people don't know but Ding has unbelievably deep tactics at times.

[@prcbras]

I was surprised Magnus gave him such a low score, I remember an insane game with Grishuck where Ding sacrificed his queen and it was a crazy tactical sequence, i'll never forget it and the reactions to it

[@Melvinstar-k9f]

@@prcbras I think he's basing that on his current form.

[@Patryyyyck]

ding has games that will be marked in history as tal ones or fisher ones

[@JRRR34]

@@Melvinstar-k9f definitly

[@luisvillalobos6373]

He won against an opponent who was arguably better than him that was a great victory . Many great chess players can't say they posses a WC title.He should just play and stop worrying too about results.

[@parkerrhodes289]

Watching Ding win the last championship encapsulated everything that I love about chess, and I think that the willingness to play the bold move at the right moment is still within him.

[@mubarakusman9184]

I’ll never stop rooting for him!

[@revenantronin8377]

Ding gives off the same vibe as Francis Ngannou, he's so humble and you can tell that he's dealing with something mentally. I was never a Ding fan, but I'm not a Gukesh fan either, so from the outside looking in, I'm rooting for Ding to defend his title and prove all his detractors wrong and to overcome whatever walls that are blocking his path mentally.

[@panda4247]

Interestingly, I have it the other way... I was fan of Ding since some 2018 or somerhing, and I wish he could come back and defend the title... but I think if he loses, some of the pressure will fall of him and he might actually get better that way. Like Hikaru when he stopped caring and became streamer, he started playing even better chess since then...

[@goldenhawx8652]

Good luck Ding! I really hope you'll get into your best shape for the match!

[@louisfitzgerald6231]

One of the best chess videos I have seen in a while. Excited to see where taketaketake goes. Keep up the good content 🙏

[@stevencornfield6637]

Hi Kaja and David. What a great site...Take Take Take...instant fan

[@aireydc]

Ding, you earned the WC title, you won it, you are the WC. If you lose the title you are no different than others. Try to play your best under the tremendous pressures and accept what happens. You have fans regardless and the world enjoys your creations. Good luck!

[@reteipdevries]

My advice to Ding is to think of the Positives! Also if you might lose. You are respected by the people that matter. Your Family, friends, all top players, and a Billion fans around the world.

[@fastpace101]

Mental health matters. Men's mental health is a huge concern nowadays. Huge support for Ding!

[@Phymacss]

Sagar is just the sweetest person I’ve seen

[@VinayKumarT1302]

Wow, the production and work gone into making this video must be very challenging. Love this type of top notch content, thanks for putting all this together. +1 Sub!

[@vp400]

I am from India but I root for Ding. its important to understand the importance of mental health especially in the world of chess. Many players have quit chess as they couldnt take it any longer. It will be a big motivation for all those who struggle with mental health if Ding wins as it shows there is always a come back! Go Ding Go!!

[@iJerrrrrry]

very interesting video, many insights into ding liren. i hope he gets back to his best, can't wait for the championship.

[@lautarohoorn1149]

THAT'S an interview. What a way to show us his emotions and toughts. Congratulations to TTT

[@raminsafizadeh]

He is special! He is giving us so much by sharing himself so openly! I hope he finds joy in wins and devilish smiles in losses.

[@johnlennon1958]

David is by far the best commentator!The duo with Kaja is lovely! So happy i discovered this channel 😊

[@mcasariego]

What a fantastic team. Much love from Spain

[@percyweasley9301]

Sagar's tribute to Ding is sooo good, beautiful ❤️❤️

[@mohansharma651]

Wesley so actually the most humble guy out there in chess world

[@manidumaru2251]

This is the first time I'm seeing such documentary-ish video of the chess world. We need more of these of other players too. Take Take Take is doing such an incredible thing for Chess. This could be a way to globalize chess as a sport even more. Great Job

[@Heyhoo3d]

Great video. Thanks, guys.

[@dragosbalan1738]

Kaja and david best duo in ches!!! ❤️❤️❤️to see

[@michaellacy8510]

Ding doesn’t deserve the pain he’s living through. I think whatever happens he will be free to enjoy life again. Good luck to him!

[@afterneet4421]

Listening ding's mental condition after becoming wcs makes me appreciate the mental toughness of all of the best players especially wcs

[@kaumbamutende5454]

I love both Ding and Gukesh. May the best man win

[@chessking7]

I hope we get to see the old 2800+' Ding in full swing in the world championship! May the fight be as good as Ding vs Ian and then may the best win! #StillRootingforyouDing

[@masterofskills76]

20 days to goooo guys!!! This is gonna be epic!!!

[@imiko85]

I love the production value. Is it possible to add subtitles?

[@sloth4040]

no matter what I am alwasys rooting for you Ding 💚

[@bradhoehne8369]

I'm very impressed with the Take Take Take's commitment to high production values. The video and sound are both superb. The leisurely pace is also refreshing.

[@douggieharrison6913]

I am rooting for Ding so hard, been a massive fan of his since day 1. He needs another big win, people have been sleeping on him like he sucks. Dude is one of the best ever

[@afterneet4421]

18:47 he gave the best advice

[@nisheshbhattarai7758]

Heart touching content. Now i want Ding to win.

[@PawnKingOG]

Either way the match goes Ding has proven himself as one of the best. We’re all hoping the best for Ding.

[@Asmita-i4h]

Sagar what a well spoken man and great interview ❤

[@Xx_SwagitUpxSwaglord69_xX]

Ding we love you!!!!❤❤❤

[@MJA012-]

The production quality is phenomenal and the app works really well too, well done! I'm a fan. At least as long as it's staying (ad-)free (or even better open source?).

[@System.Error.]

TakeTakeTake X DingDingDing

[@NJDJ1986]

Nice one!

[@pawelbinkowski2769]

gold

[@bernstein.double]

20:48 What a badass MVL is with his glasses. Love it!!

[@hasayin1]

great channel. pls continue. we love kaja, david and others.

[@baron_von_yak3370]

Rooting for Ding!

[@Damage_Inc]

Really refreshing content Take Take Take is putting out there...

[@michaelebert5400]

I like both players. Gukesh is my favorite player, the Kid is amazing and I hope he wins the championship 🏆. BUT...i hope that Ding plays his best and makes it a great match. Ding has struggled but im hoping he was saving some stuff for this match. What Ding did in the last championship match against Nepo was probably the most clutch thing in chess history, turning what was a sure draw into a win, in that moment, on the big stage, when he didn't lead for the entire match, was absolutely unreal and makes Ding Liren immortalized in chess history, regardless if he isn't the same as he once was.

[@TheSnake336]

Ding is so sweet. I'm really rooting for him

[@VeritasAlienari]

He's very hard on himself. Someone please remind this young man how incredible he actually is.

[@EliL-se3bh]

Great video! Csquare podcast was my place for chess news but this one is much better. Keep it up. Will watch this one instead now.

[@stoutlager6325]

Okay now this is good coverage. I wasn't sure about this channel to start with as it was all advertisement for the app. If you guys are going to continue like this I'm on board. Well done.

[@lucasowen9990]

I love you Ding, you made and continue to make history every single day. I believe in you! I am very excited for the World Chess Championship!

[@1Rene9Night5cart0]

Wow .. what a great concept and content ! The 1st episode i have watched.