China's Ding Liren beats Ian Nepomniachtchi to become the 17th world chess champion. [Photo by Vladislav Vodnev/Reuters]

Chinese chess player Ding Liren triumphed over Russian player Ian Nepomniachtchi on April 30, becoming the first Chinese male chess player to clinch the individual World Chess Championship.

Born in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, in 1992, Ding started learning chess in 1996. He was promoted to the title of Grandmaster in 2009 and became the first Chinese player to reach a rating of 2,800 in 2018. In 2021, he joined the Hangzhou branch of the Chinese Chess Academy.

After becoming the first Chinese player to achieve the prestigious honor, Ding did not rest on his laurels. Instead, he continued to compete on the international stage, with his next target being to secure a medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, right on his home turf.

Reflecting on his journey to becoming the world champion, Ding said that it was a test of skill, willpower, and endurance. Particularly in the final match against Nepomniachtchi, after 14 classical games resulting in a 7-7 tie, the players entered a rapid tiebreaker. The first three rapid games ended in draws, but in the critical fourth game, Ding seized the opportunity in the final moments, securing a decisive victory. With a final score of 9.5-8.5, he emerged triumphant, claiming the throne as the World Chess Champion.

Once a challenger himself, Ding has now become the target for other competitors. However, he remains unfazed by the challenge, considering it crucial to maintaining his momentum into the Hangzhou Asian Games. He views this as one of his most important goals.

Ding has already secured the sole exemption for the Chinese Men's Chess Team qualifiers for the Hangzhou Asian Games. Expressing his thoughts, he said, "The Asian Games is very important to me. I especially hope to win the championship to repay the support of the national team and the Hangzhou branch of the Chinese Chess Academy." 

Ding deliberates during the game. [Photo/WeChat account: xmwb1929]