Months earlier, Ding had jokingly suggested trying the French Defence in the forthcoming world championship, a gamble that might surprise Nepo and put him off his game. Rapport, who is famous for his ...

Nepo added, "I don't know what to say ... and is also higher-rated than the current world champion Ding Liren, who is seventh, by one point. Gukesh's performance rating was 2847 in 14 rounds.

Ding shocked Nepo to become the new champion. Gukesh's route to the top, too, has also been full of surprises. Despite being written off in the 2024 Candidates, Gukesh, seeded sixth among eight ...