Recently, the Chinese chess world has been shaken by the "Recording Gate" incident. As investigations deepen, more violators have been exposed, especially three grandmasters - Zheng Weitong, Zhao XinXin, and Wang Yang. Their lifetime bans have sent shockwaves throughout the chess community. In particular, Zheng Weitong and Zhao XinXin, two chess players who achieved brilliant results on the international stage, have found themselves mired in the mud of their careers due to their involvement in the "buying and selling of chess games" scandal.
Zheng Weitong, the 30-year-old world champion, was widely recognized for his superb chess skills and tenacity. He was not only a genius in the chess world but also excelled in many competitions, winning titles such as the Asian Championship and World Championship. However, shockingly, his career came to an abrupt end in the "Recording Gate" incident.
Although Zheng Weitong initially denied engaging in the buying and selling of chess games, he eventually had to admit that he did participate in this scandal. The amount involved was not huge, but it was enough to destroy his entire career. His past glory faded instantly under the shadow of the "Recording Gate" incident.
Zhao XinXin is another beloved chess player among fans. At just 36 years old, he won the title of China's fifth world chess king. Zhao XinXin's chess skills are universally acknowledged as top-notch, and he won the World Championship in 2018 and the Asian Championship in 2023, representing the "golden age" of Chinese chess. However, behind his success lies a heartbreaking story - long-term involvement in "selling chess," with reports even suggesting that the amount from one game could reach as high as 200,000 yuan.
As investigations progress, the entire chain of the chess world is gradually being uncovered. This not only involves personal issues of several grandmasters but also reflects potential systemic problems within the chess industry. Although these banned chess players may retain their public positions in local chess associations, whether they can continue to stand in the chess industry remains uncertain. Once the Chinese Chess Association fully implements the ban decision, five grandmasters will completely lose their eligibility to participate in competitions, and even activities related to training and teaching will be strictly restricted.
For Zheng Weitong and Zhao XinXin, establishing themselves abroad seems like an impossible dream. Although they have deep chess skills and fame domestically, they will forever carry a "dark history" in the global chess arena, especially in European and American countries. Moreover, as a sport mainly focused on the domestic market, there is hardly any international market for chess outside of a few countries like Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand. Therefore, attempting to restart their careers is almost unrealistic.
Despite this, Zheng Weitong and Zhao XinXin may still have some room for transformation within the local chess association system. For them, teaching chess might be a way forward. However, the problem is that if they lose credibility in the eyes of the public, even transitioning to coaching may not allow them to regain trust and respect. In an era where information is increasingly transparent, any act of dishonesty can have lasting effects.
The outbreak of the "Recording Gate" incident is undoubtedly a scandal in the Chinese chess world, fundamentally changing fans' perceptions of these top chess players. The former glory and achievements fade into insignificance in the face of lost integrity. Public trust has been severely weakened, and the industry's unwholesome practices have been exposed. This event also makes us realize deeply that professional athletes need not only excellent skills but also a noble professional ethics and sense of responsibility. Only with these qualities can they stand firm and go further in fierce competition.
For Zheng Weitong, Zhao XinXin, and others, they may once have been stars in the chess world, but now their figures can probably only remain in the shadows of history. Chess, as an ancient intellectual sport, carries too much cultural heritage, yet the scandal of "buying and selling chess games" has left a stain on this pure land.