I follow chess as a sport. I also play a bit online though not as much these days. The news about the passing of Daniel “Danya” Naroditsky was quite shocking. He was 29 years old. He was a Grand Master and a well known commentator.
He had been a victim of targeted online bullying and trolling over the past year. As a chess follower, it was clear to see the impact on him. This was evident during his streams or interviews.
For me he was mainly the voice of chess in the past few years. He was regularly commentating. I can still hear his excited voice picking on the winning line and calling the World Championship win for Gukesh.
But what I will always remember is the respect and propriety he showed a crying Ivanchuk. Ivanchuk, who is a legend of chess, lost on time, and then he burst out crying. It is agonising to lose on time, especially when the position is winnable or draw. As Ivanchuk cried his heart out, he buried his face into the table. Daniel sat quietly with his head almost bowed. He let the older man cry out.
He waited for a while for the usual handshake, but Ivanchuk was lost to the world at that time. So Daniel arranged the piece back on the board and walked gracefully away.
There was much still to learn from this 29 year old!
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