Hong Kong’s century-old Ding Ding trams became the stage for a truly historic event—the “Ding on Ding Ding” simultaneous chess match organized by the Caissa Hong Kong Chess Club. This one-of-a-kind initiative brought together former World Chess Champion Ding Liren and the city’s beloved tram culture, transforming a moving tram into a dynamic chess arena.

In this unprecedented event—the first of its kind in Hong Kong—Caissa student players were joined by longtime supporters and chess enthusiasts from the community, all eager for the rare opportunity to challenge a world-class Grandmaster aboard an iconic Hong Kong tram.

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Ding Liren, the 2018 Chess Olympiad team gold medalist and 2023 World Chess Champion, is renowned for his strategic brilliance and humble presence. As the first Chinese player to claim the world title, he continues to be a driving force in promoting chess across Asia.

At 4:00 p.m. sharp, Ding arrived at the Kennedy Town Tram Depot. With trademark composure under the watchful eye of Phoenix TV cameras, he greeted organizers and boarded the specially outfitted “Chess King Ding Ding” tram. Inside, players took their seats along both sides of the carriage, each facing a magnetic chessboard fixed to the table in front of them. Ding moved gracefully through the tram, pausing briefly at each board to assess positions and make his moves with calm precision.

As the tram rolled through the streets of Central and Causeway Bay, the atmosphere inside was intense yet focused. Amid the hum of the city, chess became the unifying rhythm. After 90 minutes of play, the tram returned to Kennedy Town Depot—where Ding completed his matches with all wins except for one surprising draw against a rising young talent, drawing admiration from spectators and fellow players alike.

From the determination on the players’ faces to the seamless blend of movement and concentration, the event captured more than just a game—it embodied the fusion of tradition, innovation, and intellectual pursuit. “Ding on Ding Ding” not only carved a new milestone in Hong Kong’s chess history but also highlighted the city’s unique ability to turn cultural icons into platforms for creativity and inspiration.

On the evening of May 27th, the training center carried out its business as usual, and at the same time, a surprise was being brewed carefully. The classroom suddenly rang with a knock on the door, and under the flush of attention, the visitor revealed his real face – it was Ding Liren! Even though the coaches had hinted that there would be a mysterious guest tonight, Ding Liren’s appearance far exceeded expectations. The moment the young chess players saw their idol, it was like fireworks bursting into bloom, and they erupted in joyful cheers.

Ding Liren said, “I hope that my little bit of light can silently influence people who love chess as much as I do.”

News and updates by Xia Xuejing aka Sky Xia

This article is brought to you by Xia Xuejing aka Sky Xia. She is a Hong Kong chess player, born May 28th, 2007. Sky Xia is currently #7 ranked among female players of Hong Kong.

More news from Sky Xia: Chinese Team Chess Championship 2025 / Chinese Women Team Chess Championship 2025 / Five-Time World Champion Ju Wenjun visits Hong Kong / Nemo Zhou’s Live Chess Blitz Night in Hong Kong

Invited players: Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Gukesh D, Ding Liren, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Wei Yi. Live games will be daily on Chessdom, while additional news can be found in the Chessdom Newsletter – you can sign up for free in the form below

New: If you are looking for more action by Carlsen and Nakamura, do not forget to check out the complete Magnus Carlsen calendar and the complete Hikaru Nakamura calendar, which are now integral parts of The Chessdom Chess Calendar

Chess.com Classic 2025

Play in knockout

Play in Swiss

The Chess.com Classic kicks off with the qualifiers for non-grandmasters on May 18 at 11 a.m. ET / 17:00 CEST / 8:30 p.m. IST. The Play-In starts a day later at the same time, with the Playoffs taking place from May 20 to May 23.

More: Nakamura vs Leela with knight odds / Carlsen wins Grenke with 9,0/9 / Replay Ding Liren vs Gukesh / Magnus Carlsen Clinches Paris Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Title in Thrilling Final Against Hikaru Nakamura

Chess.com Classic Qualifier (May 18)

Starts: 8:00 PT / 11:00 ET / 17:00 CEST

Non-grandmaster titled players compete in a Swiss, with the top three making it to the Play-In.

• Open to all non-grandmaster titled players
• Players contest a nine-round Swiss
• Time control: 10+0
• The top three players are eligible to compete in the Play-In

Chess.com Classic Play-in (May 19)

Starts: 8:00 PT / 11:00 ET / 17:00 CEST

Qualified players join grandmasters to compete in two phases, Swiss and Match Play. The winner of the Swiss goes straight to the Playoffs. Players ranked second through 15th go to Match Play, with the winners reaching the Playoffs.

• Open to all grandmasters and the top three players from the Qualifier
• Time control: 10+0
• Players compete in a nine-round Swiss
• The top player from the Swiss goes straight to the Playoffs and selects their bracket position
• Players ranked second through 15th advance to Match Play
• Players ranked second through eighth choose their opponents
• The 14 players who compete in the Match Play phase contest a two-game match
• The winner of each Match Play match moves on to the Playoffs

Chess.com Classic Playoffs (May 20 – 23)

Starts: 8:15 PT / 11:15 ET / 17:15 CET

Eight invited players join the eight players who made it to the Playoffs to compete for top prize money and CCT Points, which may grant them a spot at the Esports World Cup.

• Eight invited players join the eight players who made it to the Playoffs
• Players contest a double-elimination bracket
• Winners Bracket matches consist of four games
• Losers Bracket matches consist of two games
• Grand Final match consists of four games
• Grand Final Reset, if necessary, consists of two games
• If the match ends in a tie, a bidding armageddon game with a base time of 10 minutes decides the winner

Divisions Cash Prizes

See the full report by Sky Xia for Chessdom.com

More news from Sky Xia: Chinese Team Chess Championship 2025 / Chinese Women Team Chess Championship 2025 / Five-Time World Champion Ju Wenjun visits Hong Kong / Nemo Zhou’s Live Chess Blitz Night in Hong Kong

The tournament welcomed students in five age categories: Under 7 (born 2018 or later) Under 9 (born 2016–2017) Under 11 (born 2014–2015) Under 13 (born 2012–2013) Under 18 (born 2007–2011) Participants, wearing school uniforms, competed in a seven-round Rapid tournament.

Ding Liren was the heart of the event, captivating all with his presence. The day kicked off with an opening ceremony (9:45–10:00 AM), where Ding’s warm words and ceremonial opening move set an exciting tone. His key activities included: Simultaneous Exhibition (11:30 AM–12:15 PM): Ding played 15 U7/U9 players chosen by lucky draw in Raleigh Hall, displaying skill and grace. Puzzle Race (12:30–1:15 PM): Ding challenged 20 U11/U13/U18 players in a fun chess puzzle race, sparking critical thinking. Open Simultaneous Exhibition (3:30–4:15 PM): Ding faced 16 non-tournament enthusiasts, including adults, making the event inclusive. Live Commentary (4:15–5:00 PM): Ding shared expert insights on final-round games, boosting players’ knowledge. Q&A and Signing Sessions: A Q&A (5:15–5:30 PM) and signing session (2:30–3:20 PM) offered personal connections, leaving lasting memories.

The tournament celebrated these champions:

U7 Champion: Meng Shayne, Discovery College
U9 Champion: Chong Jake, Kiangsu & Chekiang Primary
U11 Champion: Tan Yik Hin, Stamford American School Hong Kong
U13 Champion: Poon Pak Yu, Po Leung Kuk Camoes Tan Siu Lin Primary School
U18 Champion: Kao Jamison, Hong Kong International School

The prize-giving ceremony (5:30–6:00 PM) was a joyful close, with Ding presenting awards and posing for a group photo with the champions. Impact and Motivation Ding Liren’s presence turned the tournament into an unforgettable experience. His skill and warmth inspired young players, fueling their love for chess and drive to excel.

News and updates by Xia Xuejing aka Sky Xia

This article is brought to you by Xia Xuejing aka Sky Xia. She is a Hong Kong chess player, born May 28th, 2007. Sky Xia is currently #7 ranked among female players of Hong Kong, having added 85 ELO points in February and 35 ELO points in March.

Replay: Gukesh – Ding Liren game 1, 0-1 / Ding Liren vs Gukesh game 2, 1/2-1/2 / Gukesh – Ding Liren game 3, 1-0 / Ding Liren – Gukesh game 4, 1/2-1/2 / Gukesh – Ding Liren game, 5 1/2-1/2 / Ding Liren – Gukesh game 6, 1/2-1/2 / Gukesh – Ding Liren game 7, 1/2-1/2 / Ding Liren – Gukesh game 8, 1/2-1/2 / Gukesh – Ding Liren game 9 / Ding Liren – Gukesh game 10 / Gukesh – Ding Liren game 11 / Ding Liren – Gukesh game 12 / Gukesh – Ding Liren game 13 / Ding Liren- Gukesh game 14 All Gukesh – Ding Liren games live Parallel: Top Chess Engine Championship live

Ding Liren – Gukesh game 14 live

Ding Liren – Gukesh game 14, live video Chessbase India

Gukesh – Ding Liren, game 13 live

Gukesh – Ding Liren game 13, live video Chessbase India

Ding Liren – Gukesh game 12 live

Ding Liren – Gukesh, game 12 live video and Chessbase India

All details on Gukesh – Ding: Preview / Schedule / Venue / Live More: The game that did not happen / Record to chase / Video preview / Why is interest so high

Replay: Gukesh – Ding Liren game 1, 0-1 / Ding Liren vs Gukesh game 2, 1/2-1/2 / Gukesh – Ding Liren game 3, 1-0 / Ding Liren – Gukesh game 4, 1/2-1/2 / Gukesh – Ding Liren game, 5 1/2-1/2 / Ding Liren – Gukesh game 6, 1/2-1/2 / Gukesh – Ding Liren game 7, 1/2-1/2 / Ding Liren – Gukesh game 8, 1/2-1/2 / Gukesh – Ding Liren game 9 / Ding Liren – Gukesh game 10 / Gukesh – Ding Liren game 11 / All Gukesh – Ding Liren games live Parallel: Top Chess Engine Championship live

Gukesh – Ding Liren game 11 LIVE

Gukesh – Ding Liren, game 11 live video and Chessbase India