Vladimir Potanin, the president of Norilsk Nickel, offered a pointed assessment of Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren during the world chess title match against Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi. He suggested that Liren’s aggression and unorthodox approach create pressure on his own plans, challenging conventional notions of disciplined play. Potanin noted that Liren’s style can feel provocative, especially in a race to seize initiative in tense moments. He added that Liren’s willingness to push the pace has a way of drawing opponents into lines they might not expect, reshaping the rhythm of the contest and testing both players’ nerves under the bright lights of a world stage.
