Ding Liren, new World Chess Champion
Ding Liren made history by becoming the 17th World Chess Champion, defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi in the final game of the tiebreak.
He emerged victorious in the fourth and final game after three draws in the tiebreaks to clinch the World Championship Crown.
In a tense and even position, with just a minute on his clock, Ding declined a threefold repetition and decided to play for a win. In a nail-biting finish with both players under enormous pressure, the Chinese grandmaster emerged victorious after 68 moves.
After an exciting 14-game classical match that ended in a stalemate, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren squared off in a tiebreak to determine the next world champion in chess.
Despite having to chase Nepomniachtchi’s lead three times in the match’s first (classical) part, Ding Liren showed tremendous skill and resilience to emerge victorious in the tiebreaks.
In contrast, Ian Nepomniachtchi’s nerves and luck faltered, resulting in his second defeat in the quest for the chess crown.
A historic success for Ding, who would not have even taken part in the match had Magnus Carlsen not decided to abandon his crown.
The now former World Champion, Magnus Carlsen, congratulated Ding in his way: ‘Self-pinning for immortality. Congrats Ding!!!‘
“I’m quite relieved. The moment Ian resigned from the game, it was very emotional. I could not control my mood and feelings. I know myself – I will cry and burst into tears…” said the emotional Ding Liren in his first comments.
Ian Nepomniachtchi congratulated his opponent. He reflected on himself: ‘I guess I had every chance [to win]. So many promising positions… It’s always a lottery after 14 games of the match, so that’s it‘.
This is the first time in history that a Chinese player has become a world champion in the open category. China now holds the world championship title in both the Open and the Women’s category.
The two players in the match will split a prize fund of two million euros, with 60% going to the new World Champion.
Text by Milan Dinic and photos from FIDE.
Games from the Rapid Playoffs
Games from the Classical Section
Event sponsor
The General Partner of the event, which boasts a sensational prize fund of 2 million euros, was Freedom Holding Corp, a US-based corporation with Kazakhstani roots that provides financial services.
Links
2023 World Chess Championship official website.
Chess Shop
Article by Kenya Chess Masala.
