Ding succeeds Norway's Magnus Carlsen, who has refused to defend the crown he has held since 2013. Ding and Nepomniachtchi were tied at the end of 14 long games that began in early April.
In the capital of Kazakhstan, Ding and "Nepo" fought a fierce battle, which will be remembered more for the scenario and the multiple twists than for the accuracy of the moves of the two players.
After a tie at the end of the 14 long games scheduled (three wins, eight draws, three losses), the 30-year-old Chinese Grandmaster won at the end of the fastest-paced games on Sunday.
Never before has a player from his country won this supreme title, to which men and women can claim. However, Chinese players have dominated women's competitions since the 1990s. Ju Wenjun is the reigning world champion, and will face compatriot Lei Tingjie in July to defend her title.
© 2023 AFP