Chinese GM Wei Yi shared his opinion on his compatriots with a rating of 2700+. Wei says Chinese chess players are capable of competing for the World Champion title, and notes the strength of Ding Liren and Yu Yangyi.

Wei Yi

Wei Yi

Chinese GM

“In China, besides me, both Ding Liren and Yu Yangyi are extremely strong players.

Ding has already been World Champion. And if he can regain his form, he definitely has a chance to challenge again.

I certainly hope Chinese players can challenge for the World Championship again!”

Chinese GM Wei Yi finished 4th at the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, held from March 28 to April 16. Chinese GM Ding Liren won the FIDE World Chess Championship 2023 and lost his title to Gukesh Dommaraju in 2024. Ding’s classical rating became inactive in January 2026. In April 2026, Liren participated in the SCO International Team Chess Tournament 2026. He will return to 15th place in the world rankings, overtaking reigning World Champion Gukesh in 17th place, on May 1.

Credit: FIDE