Ding qualified for Candidates

Through a marathon of rated games in China, Ding Liren has completed the requirement of 30 games between 1 June 2021 and 30 April 2022 to take over as highest rated player the spot of banned Sergey Karjakin at the Candidates Tournament in Madrid, unless the Russian appeal at CAS succeeds. Ding has also narrowly overtaken Firouzja in the rating list and is number two again.