World Chess Champion Ding Liren has struggled visibly since his victory. His tournament play this year has been so subpar that he is generally expected not to be the favorite against whoever emerges as the challenger from the ongoing Candidates tournament. He has talked about mental health issues and overwhelming stress during and after the World Championship.

So far, I haven't seen the possibility that he might simply withdraw from the match discussed much, but I think it might happen. In effect, this would most likely mean that the players in the Candidates tournament are once again (like last time, when Magnus Carlsen stepped down from his title defense) unknowingly playing for two spots.

This question resolves YES if Ding makes at least one move on the board (as a player, not as guest who makes a ceremonial opening move) in the next World Championship match (whenever that takes place exactly).