On March 25, the launch ceremony of China National Chess Team entering Zhili Building was held at the International Exchange Centre of Hangzhou branch of China Qi-Yuan (Zhili) Chess Hall as competition venue for board games during Asian Games Hangzhou 2022. In addition, this event was also the expedition ceremony for Ding Liren as the super master of Chinese men's chess to participate in the world championships.

With the relocation of Hangzhou Branch of Hangzhou Training Base to Zhili Building, the national team started the 2023 training quickly. At present, there are about 15 national team members receiving the training in Hangzhou, and other famous national players will join the training team before each competition. It is expected that the maximum number of players will reach 30.

Xu Xiangyu, the champion of the World Team Chess Championships and the leader of China National Chess Team, said: "The new training base provides the team members with the adequate guarantee from the training ground to clothing, food, accommodation and travel."

As the second ranked player in the world, Ding Liren is the undisputed No. 1 player in China. On April 7, he will compete with Ian Nepomniachtchi as a chess player from Russia in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan. This is the first time for Chinese chess players to attempt to win the men's world individual champion.

Ding Liren admitted that his achievements slightly lagged behind Ian Nepomniachtchi's achievements, but he would face the opponent with usual mind in a low posture. "Hangzhou Asian Games is also very important for me. I particularly hope to win the champion to reward the national team and Hangzhou Qi-Yuan (Zhili) Chess Hall."