Why Ding Liren couldn't sleep after Game 1

Game 2 Press conference with questions posed by WGM Vivian Gu in Mandarin.

WGM Vivian Gu (credit: Chessbase India)

VG: Can you describe in simple terms how today's game went?

D: Today we got an infrequently played line which I had prepared in advance. I managed to surprise him with a novelty and got the type of position I desired, with good chances and room for development. However, my follow up moves weren't accurate and by then I couldn't find a way to improve my position. I'm not sure how the computer will evaluate this but I felt that I no longer have the advantage anymore, even as I tried to work out how to press.

VG: At which point you feel that you had chances to press?

D: By this time, I had sort of given up my chances of gaining an advantage. It was quite frustrating.

VG: Did the excitement of yesterday's game cost you any sleep?

D: I only got to sleep at 3am, but it wasn't because of Game 1 but due to the coffee I drank!