The first Chinese player to contend for the chess throne in the Open section, a member of the 2800 rating club, world's #3, Ding Liren is modest in life but tough at the board. His resilience is proven by an unprecedented 100-game unbeaten streak he had in 2017-2018.
Grandmaster since 2007, Ian Nepomniachtchi is now at the pinnacle of his career. In February 2023, he reached the world’s #2 position, and his current rating of 2795 is his highest. Combined with invaluable title match experience, he’s all geared up for another attempt to win the chess crown.