Ding Liren Becomes China's First World Chess Champion, Ends Magnus Carlsen’s Decade-Long Reign

Ding Liren became China's first-ever World Chess Champion on Sunday (April 30) after a rapid-play tie-break win over Russian rival Ian Nepomniachtchi in Kazakhstan's Astana.

Ding Liren became China's first-ever World Champion on Sunday (April 30) after a rapid-play tie-break win over Russian rival Ian Nepomniachtchi in Kazakhstan's Astana.

30-year-old Ding Liren, China's highest-rated chess player in history, is the new World Chess Champion as he took over the reign from Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen.

The scores were levelled at 7-7, after which the tie-breakers (rapid) were played. The first three games were drawn and Ding won the fourth.

China's Ding Liren got the opportunity to be crowned the world champion as all-time great Magnus Carlsen decided to withdraw from the World championship match against Russia's Nepomniachtchi, due to 'lack of motivation'.

Five-time winner Magnus Carlsen, who held the title since 2013, is one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport and will remain world's top-rated player.

Ding qualified for the World Championship final after a second-place finish at the Candidates Tournament, while Russia's Nepomniachtchi won the Candidates without a single loss.

Ding scripted history as he ascended to the World Championship throne but him not defeating World's best Magnus Carlsen for the title does not make him quite the undisputed World champion.