IT ALL hinged on a blunder as Chinese player Ding Liren beat Hikaru Nakamura of the United States in the 14th and final round of chess’s Candidates tournament in Madrid on Monday night.

It was great stroke of luck for Ding who, after a very poor start to the tournament, made an amazing comeback in the second half and with this win over his direct rival clinched second place with eight points from 14 — a draw would have been enough for Nakamura to keep his second spot. 

Usually, second might as well be nowhere in this game of winners and losers, but it is hugely significant if Norwegian world champion Magnus Carlsen decides not to defend his title in the world championship clash pencilled in for early next year. In that case, he will be replaced by Ding.