The 32-year-old Norwegian announced in July last year that he would not defend his world title against Russian challenger Nepomniachtchi, whom he beat in the 2021 final, saying that he enjoyed playing tournaments more than Championships and would still continue playing professionally.

In the Kazakhstan capital Nepomniachtchi will face China’s world number three, who finished second in last year’s Candidates Tournament, and will be the first player from his country to contest a world chess title.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) tournament, involving 14 games, is scheduled to run until May 1.

Nepomniachtchi is set to compete under a neutral flag under FIDE regulations following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The official sponsor, Freedom Holding Corporation, has put €2 million (£1.76 million/$2.2 million) into the prize fund with 60 per cent going to the winner and 40 per cent to the runner-up.

The first 40 moves in each game will be subject to a time control of 120 minutes, followed by 60 minutes for the next 20 moves, and then 15 minutes for the remainder of the game with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move 61.

In the event of a tie, the Championship is to be determined in a rapid chess playoff.

Ding is a 30-year-old Grandmaster from a city in the Zhejiang province in China.

He is described one of the strongest defenders in the world, but has often won games from seemingly drawn positions and is many people’s favourite.

Nepomniachtchi, 32, from Byransk, lost in 11 games when he played Carlsen in the last final.

He is known for his aggressive and tactical style.

Carlsen remains world speed chess and blitz chess champion after victories in both categories in December.

He is currently dealing with a legal case brought by 19-year-old American chess grandmaster Hans Niemann, who has responded to Carlsen’s accusation that he was cheating in a match between the two by attempting to sue him for at least $100 million (£80 million/€91 million).