World Chess Weekly: Ding Hints At Return As His Conqueror Gukesh Faces Scrutiny

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Much has been said and written about the form of current World Champ Gukesh D. But this week the former champ also came out with some interesting words.

The question marks over the form of India's World Chess Champion GM Gukesh D are, unfortunately for him, not going away.

After the 19-year-old suffered the ignominy of finishing joint bottom last week at the Prague Masters, we reported on GM Pablo Ricardi's theory about what the current king of chess's struggles mean for the wider sport.

Now none other than the great GM Judit Polgar, the subject of a recent Netflix documentary, has also opined on his chances going forward. And she doesn't sound confident.

Gukesh D during Round 5 of Norway Chess 2025.

Photo: Michal Walusza/Norway Chess.

“There is a very, very big question mark whether Gukesh can stay the world champion (at the end of this year),” Polgar told The Indian Express in an interview this week.

"I'm sure Gukesh has a great future, but I’m not sure he’s going to be World Champion after the next World Championship match. But it doesn’t mean he’s not going to regain it again if it happens."

It seems everyone has a view on Gukesh's dip and how important it is.

Ding Is Alive!

But while the current champion is currently in hiding from his critics, the former champion has come out of the woodwork.

Little has been seen of China's first World Chess Champion GM Ding Liren since he lost the crown to Gukesh in 2024. He's played barely any tournaments and he's even dropped off the FIDE rating list for classical after being flagged as "inactive."

In a new interview, Ding has hinted at a return.

Photo: Stev Bonhage/FIDE.

In an interview with the Substack blogger Jonathan Zhi, Ding explained a little about his motivations and even hinted at a return.

Speaking of his current inactivity, Ding said: "I quite enjoy my current situation. What I mean is, being a player with an inactive rating, who seldom participates in elite invitationals. I’m enjoying this rare moment of leisure."

Asked what keeps him motivated about the game, Ding added: "Enjoyment. I keep up playing the occasional game online: it doesn’t require arduous pre-game preparation, just undivided concentration in the moment. The process itself is rewarding."

Ding signed off the interview with a message to his fans: "Thank you, everyone, for your support. Keeping a low profile is for a better return."

Good news for fans who want to see Ding back at the board playing in top-level international competitions. Maybe he'll be back to challenge for the title again one day?