{
  "id": 5880497,
  "title": "'Fed up': The story behind Russia No. 1 Ian Nepomniachtchi's tattoos",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/fed-up-the-story-behind-russia-no-1-ian-nepomniachtchis-tattoos",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T01:21:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/chess/8-months-moscow-to-munich-flights-but-now-he-is-fed-up-behind-russia-no-1-ian-nepomniachtchis-tattoos/articleshow/133821671.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tattoos have a long history, with evidence dating back thousands of years to ancient Egyptians. They often hold personal or cultural significance. Russian chess grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi, known as \"Nepo,\" sports two tattoos on his arms, each with a unique story. The tattoo on his right arm features the phrase \"Rise and rise again and again like the Phoenix from the ashes; until the lambs have become lions,\" a quote he has wanted for years. The left arm, a full-sleeve, took eight sessions over a year and a half to complete, revealing a mix of Ouroboros, chess pieces, and a Greek goddess, all created by a Munich-based artist. Nepo, who admitted to finding the experience painful but rewarding, hopes his tattoos will be understood and appreciated for their personal meaning.",
  "summary": "Russia’s No. 1 chess grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi has two tattoos. Both carry different stories. His left-arm full sleeve took eight sessions over eight months, with flights from Moscow to Munich to meet his tattoo artist. From a phoenix and a favourite quote to Greek mythology, chess pieces and the pain involved, Nepo opens up about the stories behind his ink.",
  "key_points": [
    "Russian chess grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi has two tattoos.",
    "One tattoo reads \"Rise and rise again like the Phoenix from the ashes\"."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The personal significance of Ian Nepomniachtchi's tattoos reflects a deeper aspect of his character, moving beyond his public image as a Russian chess grandmaster.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}