Reactions

Simon Gribling, the director of the Dutch Chess Association, gave the new sport his endorsement:

"I was there when it happened, and it was a very exciting event. When I went, I didn't have high expectations, but the interaction between the two games was very interesting to see, and to enjoy . . . I had reservations, I don't like the idea of boxing . . . but on the evening itself it was very exciting."

Former boxer Arnold Vanderlyde from the Dutch Boxing Association also thought the idea was sound:

"It [the World Championship] was a good event. Of course it's new . . . but chess is a very good training for boxers, to have control over your mind."

Human movement academic Piet van Wieringen. Professor van Wieringen explained the physiological challenges facing the chess boxer:

"In boxing of course, you need to have high arousal level and it will come automatically. You start with a stress response, high heart rate . . . blood going to the muscles. It's a good reaction, an optimal reaction if you really have to fight, or even to flight. If you have to play chess well, such a response – which can also occur during chess – is not very useful, because your arousal level will be too high, and so this control is one of the most difficult things. And also of course, your heart is beating and you're sitting there, they can distract you, these physiological feelings."

Hans Ree, Dutch grandmaster:

"It had been the height of silliness, but perfectly organised and a joy to watch... The speed and agility with which the chess table was removed from the ring, sufficed to show that no detail was left to chanche. It had been fun."