Ding Liren’s favourite strawberry ice cream and Russian reports noting the Chinese’ significant move in Game 6 just like 2023 | Chess News

A post-press conference exclusive with IM Mike Klein Ding Liren (correct pronunciation Ding Lee-Gen spellt Lizhen), revealed that though the Chinese wasn’t gorging on tubs of ice cream on the sidelines of the World Chess championship, he had his favourite among the frozen treats
“Strawberry ice cream,” Liren named his favourite flavour, while adding that there was another flavour he was curious about.
Liren and Indian D Gukesh are currently level on points after Game 6, with Monday as rest day.
When asked if GM Rapport would be dispatched to find him strawberry ice cream, Liren said, “haven’t had any ice cream, just some Thai food. I remember there was coconut ice cream ….”
Post a press conference where he further endeared the crowd with his quippy responses, Liren made light of his fast-gaining funny reputation. Chess 24 asked Ding Liren, “Do you like making us laugh?” The Chinese responded, “It is accident. I really don’t know what the question means.”
Quizzed on whether he was happy that memes on him were getting popular and internet was talking about him, he said he recalled hearing, “I smile like a very innocent man.”
He also admitted he was a tad tired “after long thought on the opening”, though the six games hadn’t been particularly long. He thought was surprised that Gukesh refused the first offer of a draw. Expecting Gukesh to play same move third time, he was readying to write it in the score sheet where everyone records theirs and their opponent’s moves. Then he realised Gukesh had changed course and refused draw with a different move.
De ja move?
The Russian chess federation official report of Game 6 meanwhile noted a coincidence in Liren’s play similar to when he played Ian Nepomniachtchi last edition. “In his 2023 match against Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi, the World Champion had opted for the London System, which had brought him a very important success in the sixth game. In this match, both sides were quick to make their moves in the opening, but Ding Liren’s preparation was much deeper,” the Russian report said.

Further describing the game, the report added, “The Chinese GM could have put his opponent in serious trouble, but when it came to the crunch he once again opted for reliability and control. In addition, Gukesh avoided a draw at his own peril, but here too Ding Liren used an iron hand to secure a peace agreement.”