Ding Liren spoke about his break from chess in an interview with chess24. Ding explains that he has other interests besides chess. Liren credits his teammates for the success in team tournaments.

Ding Liren

Ding Liren

17th World Champion

“I haven’t played in a foreign tournament for two years.

[Interviewer: First time playing outside of China?]

Yes. And we won a lot of team competitions this year. And I have to credit my teammates because they did a good job.

I always drop ratings, especially Rapid ratings or Blitz ratings, while winning the tournament. So, I’m very happy dropping the ratings.

[Interviewer: Did it feel good to step away from chess for a little bit and regroup mentally?]

Yes, because life is not only about chess. I still have other hobbies. Many sports and some kinds of movies.

[Interviewer: Was there a part of you that wanted to get back to competition?]

There will always be many chess tournaments ahead, some rapid and also some events like this.

[Interviewer: What sport could you totally crush me in?]

I think a sport that many Chinese play is table tennis.”

Ding Liren won the 2026 SCO International Team Chess Tournament as part of the Chinese main team. Ding competed in the 2026 Chinese Team Championship, and his team finished in 8th place. Ding won the World Rapid & Blitz Team Championship 2026 as part of the Chinese team Dragon Chilling.

The Chess Olympiad 2026 takes place from September 16 to 27 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The China team is tied for third place with 6 points after 3 days of the event.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE