(Reuters) – The classical chess world championship match between Indian Gukesh D and defending champion Ding Liren of China will take place from Nov. 20 to Dec. 15 in Singapore, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) said yesterday.
“We are delighted that for the first time in the history of FIDE, a match for the World Championship will take place in Singapore. Not only is Singapore one of the most iconic global tourist and business hubs, but it is also a thriving chess centre with great ambitions and talent,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement.
Singapore was selected over Indian cities Chennai and New Delhi.
Gukesh won the Candidates tournament in April to set up the match with Ding, whose form has plummeted since he beat Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi for the title in 2023 (7-7, 2.5-1.5 on tiebreaks).
World number one Magnus Carlsen, who had been world champion since 2013, relinquished his title in 2022, citing a lack of motivation.