Wei Yi reflects on tough loss to Gukesh at Olympiad and mental health struggles of Ding Liren

Bengaluru: A thrilling match at the Olympiad left Chinese Grandmaster Wei Yi in awe of India’s rising star, Gukesh, who delivered a stunning victory against him. Originally set to face off against Ding Liren, Gukesh’s unexpected win against Wei Yi left a lasting impact on the Chinese GM.

Reflecting on the intense game, Wei Yi shared that it took him “two to three days” to recover from the match, which he described as one of the toughest he’s ever played. The reigning world champion, Ding Liren, had to sit out the encounter due to health issues, leading Wei Yi to step in on the top board for China.

Despite the loss, Wei Yi expressed his admiration for Gukesh and the rapid growth of Indian chess players on the global stage. With players like Arjun Erigaisi and Gukesh ranking among the top five in the world, Wei Yi acknowledged the strong competition from India and the need for China to catch up.

At 25, Wei Yi sees the younger generation of players, led by talents like Gukesh, as formidable opponents. Reflecting on his own journey, Wei Yi chose to pursue university studies alongside his chess career, a decision influenced by top players like Hou Yifan. In contrast, Indian prodigies have focused solely on chess, a choice Wei Yi believes is crucial for success in the game.

Looking ahead, Wei Yi remains hopeful for a chance to compete in the Candidates’ tournament but acknowledges the long road ahead. As he prepares to join the Triveni Continental Kings in the Global Chess League, Wei Yi is determined to continue improving and facing the challenges posed by the next generation of chess prodigies.

In a game where every move counts, Wei Yi’s experience against Gukesh serves as a reminder of the fierce competition and the dedication required to succeed in the world of chess.