Fri Dec 13 15:06:34 UTC 2024: ## Russian Chess Official Accuses Ding Liren of Throwing World Championship Match

**NEW DELHI** – The President of the Chess Federation of Russia (CFR), Andrei Filatov, has accused Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren of intentionally losing the final game of the World Chess Championship against India’s R Praggnanandhaa, according to reports. Filatov has called on the World Chess Federation (FIDE) to launch an investigation into the match.

The accusation was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Ukrainian chess team coach Peter Heine Nielsen, citing the Russian news agency TASS. Filatov reportedly stated that Ding Liren’s moves in the decisive game were highly suspicious and warrant a FIDE investigation. He suggested that losing from the position Ding Liren held was highly improbable for a player of his caliber.

The controversial game saw Ding Liren make a crucial mistake on his 55th move, allowing Praggnanandhaa to gain the advantage and secure victory. This win made the 18-year-old Praggnanandhaa the youngest ever World Chess Champion, a feat celebrated as ushering in a new era of Indian dominance in the game, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand. Anand, incidentally, played a key role in Praggnanandhaa’s training at his Chennai academy.

Praggnanandhaa secured the title by winning the 14th and final classical time control game, achieving the necessary 7.5 points compared to Ding Liren’s 6.5. He received $1.3 million USD of the $2.5 million prize money. His success is also attributed to the contribution of several others including mental strength coach Paddy Upton.

While the accusations against Ding Liren remain unproven, the CFR’s demand for an investigation underscores the controversy surrounding the conclusion of the World Chess Championship. FIDE has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.

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