Azerbaijani grandmaster Teymur Radjabov offered his take on the opening phase of the world chess crown match between Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi and China’s Ding Liren. Radjabov argued that it made sense for Ding to start the match with the white pieces, establishing an early initiative. He also stressed the pivotal role of Black, insisting that the ability to defend in the first game can shape the dynamics of the entire contest for Ding Liren. — Source: FIDE.
Radjabov observed that starting with White gives Ding a comfortable opening path, yet pressing matters remain in the Black corner. In high-level play, the black side carries a heavy psychological burden, and Radjabov noted that even small slips in the opening can cast a long shadow over the rest of the match. He warned that if Ding or his team sense any imbalance with the color Black after preparation and practice games, confidence can crumble quickly. The world championship stage magnifies these effects, and Match experience matters; Ding Liren has the advantage of psychological steadiness when the color balance feels right, while Nepomniachtchi, who has contested multiple high-stakes matches, faces a different kind of pressure. — Source: FIDE.
Radjabov commented that the outcome of the opening batch holds significant weight. For Ding, a strong start is a signal that the player is comfortable with the early rhythm of the match. Radjabov remarked that many athletes, including tennis players, prefer to win the first set as it fosters momentum and confidence right away, an analogy he used to describe the chess dynamic. This early tempo is not merely cosmetic; it often translates into practical decisions during the late middlegame and endgame phases. — Source: FIDE.
The discussion also touched on Nepomniachtchi’s path to the world crown, noting that this is not his first challenge for the title. In 2021 he reached the match with Norway’s Magnus Carlsen and was defeated after a series of decisive games. After winning the subsequent Candidates Tournament, Ding Liren faced Carlsen’s withdrawal from the title bout, which opened the door for the second edition of the Candidates. The chain of events underlines the evolving landscape of the world championship cycle and how recent results shape expectations for the next duel. — Source: FIDE.
Analysts emphasized that Nepomniachtchi’s preparation for another world title bid comes with a different set of pressures. The experience gap in the world championship match structure can influence decision-making under the unique scrutiny of a 14-game or longer contest. The mental stamina required to sustain precision across many adjournments, openings, and transitions is a recurring theme in pre-match discussions. Understanding this, some observers expect Nepomniachtchi to rely on solid defensive credentials in the early games while gradually sharpening his practical play as the match unfolds. — Source: FIDE.
Finally, the narrative acknowledged the broader context of leadership and preparation within the Russian Chess Federation and the global chess community. Experienced voices highlighted that the players bring a wealth of knowledge and strategic depth to the confrontation, and their teams are evaluating every nuance of opening theory, practical risk, and psychological resilience. The running thread across these analyses is that the opening phase is more than a single game; it sets the tone for the entire championship duel, influencing choices, confidence, and the momentum that can carry a player through the long contest. — Source: FIDE.