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David R. Sands

David R. Sands

dsands@washingtontimes.com

David R. Sands covered numerous beats, including international trade, banking, politics and Capitol Hill, and spent eight years on the foreign desk as senior diplomatic correspondent. He has authored The Times' weekly chess column since 1993.

Articles by David R. Sands

Alekhine — V.O. Smyslov after 31. Qc1.

There from the start: Fathers, children and chess

They may not have been very strong players themselves, but many can claim credit for teaching the game's greatest stars how to set up the board and the difference between a pin and a fork.

June 13, 2023
Nepomniachtchi-Ding, Playoff Game 4, after 58. Bd4.

Comeback kid Ding Liren is China’s first world chess champ

It was a fitting finale for the unlikely coronation of the 17th world chess champion: The only time Chinese GM Ding Liren led in his epic monthlong title match with Russian rival Ian Nepomniachtchi was when the clocks were stopped on the fourth and final game of the rapid playoff that decided the contest.

May 2, 2023
China's Ding Liren speaks after his victory in the FIDE World Chess Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan, Sunday, April 30, 2023. China's Ding Liren beat Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi in a thrilling finale. He takes over the world championship title from Norway's Magnus Carlsen. (AP Photo/Stanislav Filippov) ** FILE **

Ding Liren becomes first Chinese world chess champion

China has its first official world chess champion, as Grandmaster Ding Liren defeated Russian rival Ian Nepomniachtchi in a playoff Sunday after their 14-game title match in Astana, Kazakhstan ended in a 7-7 tie.

April 30, 2023
Ding-Nepomniachtchi, Game 8, after 31. Qc7.

Chess title fight may be decided by a freeze and a bluff

The world chess championship may be decided by a freeze and a fake-out. The unexpectedly compelling 14-game title match in Astana, Kazakhstan, between Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi and Chinese GM Ding Liren is entering the home stretch.

April 25, 2023