Indian chess star D Gukesh has taken a significant step towards becoming the World Chess Champion. The 18-year-old Grandmaster defeated China’s Ding Liren for the second time in the World Chess Championship final, winning the 11th game on Sunday. Gukesh had previously won the third game, and after this latest victory, he now leads 6-5 in the 14-game final.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai Chants at the venue 🇮🇳❤️
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) December 8, 2024
Gukesh has won Games 11 and takes lead 6-5 in the World Chess Championship 2024 🥹pic.twitter.com/12e4mrWguz
In the 11th game, Gukesh gained a time advantage after Ding Liren took too long to make a move. Despite the pressure, Liren made some strong moves, but Gukesh used his extra time wisely and won the game in 29 moves. Liren, recognizing he could not win, resigned from the match.
With just three games left in the final, Gukesh is now only 1.5 points away from the world title. The first player to reach 7.5 points will be crowned the new world champion. The 12th game is scheduled for Monday (9 December), and if the score is tied after 14 games, the match will go into a tiebreaker with faster time controls.
GUKESH WON THE GAME 11 & TAKES LEAD IN WORLD CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2024 🏆 pic.twitter.com/aQNX1Uu1W9
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) December 8, 2024
Gukesh’s win came after a streak of 7 consecutive draws. His victory in the 11th game followed a draw in the 10th game, which was the 8th draw of the series. Gukesh’s impressive play included taking advantage of a mistake by Liren, who placed his knight in a bad position. Gukesh quickly took advantage and forced Liren to resign.
If Gukesh wins the final, he will make history as the youngest World Chess Champion. At just 18 years old, he has already achieved major success, including becoming the youngest player to win the FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament at the age of 17.