Ding, 30, won the quick chess playoff 2.5 points to 1.5, taking advantage of Nepomniachtchi’s mistakes. Earlier, the two finished tied, 7-7, in a psychological battle over 14 games, according to Reuters.
The Chinese grandmaster takes the crown from five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway, who beat Nepomniachtchi in 2021 but has announced he will not defend his title again this year.
Ding was only invited to the tournament at the last minute to replace Russian Sergei Karjakin, who was banned by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) for supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ding is in third place in the FIDE ranking, after Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi. The new world champion will participate from May 4 in the Great Chess Tournament in Bucharest.
Following Ding’s triumph, China holds both the men’s and women’s world titles. Current champion Ju Wenjun will defend her title against compatriot Lei Tingjie in July.
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