“I fairly get pleasure from my present scenario. What I imply is, being a participant with an inactive score, who seldom participates in elite invitationals. I’m having fun with this uncommon second of leisure,” he mentioned.As a substitute of intense preparation, he now prefers informal on-line video games. Explaining his present method, Ding added: “I sustain enjoying the occasional sport on-line: it does not require arduous pre-game preparation, simply undivided focus within the second. The method itself is rewarding.”Ding turned world champion in 2023 after defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi, however his reign was adopted by a dip in kind and eventual defeat. Regardless of that, he pushed Gukesh to the ultimate sport of the 2024 championship earlier than shedding.Wanting again, Ding shared a private reflection: “I want my youthful self had studied extra and endured in teachers a bit longer, not letting it fall to the wayside. That approach, later years of life is likely to be richer. Individuals at all times dwell on the issues they didn’t do (or paths they didn’t take).”For now, Ding seems content material stepping away from the highlight and specializing in a extra relaxed relationship with the sport.