As the 2025 Championships kick off, Pacific island nations continue to defy the odds — proving that population size is no barrier to producing world-class sport, writes JAMES NALTON
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Nepomniachtchi wins Candidates tournament: will he play Ding or Carlsen?
[Hassan Pasha / Creative Commons]
In a town shaped by hardship and history, a grassroots boxing club led by Andrew McFarlane gives purpose to the next generation — including a rising champion, writes JOHN WIGHT
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.
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