With only five games remaining in the World Chess Championship, Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren of China are locked in a tense battle. Both players, currently tied at 4.5 points, will be eager to gain an edge in the 10th game after sharing points in six consecutive draws.
Equal Standings Amid Missed Opportunities
The championship so far has seen a mix of decisive and drawn games. Ding Liren, 32, claimed victory in the first game, while Gukesh secured a win in the third. The remaining matches, including Thursday’s ninth game, ended in draws. Despite several chances to capitalize on his advantages, Gukesh has struggled to convert those opportunities into wins.
🔥♟️ Game 1 of the FIDE World Championship Match 2024, presented by Google, is happening TODAY!
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) November 25, 2024
The game will start at 17:00 local time (UTC+8). 🇮🇳 Gukesh D takes the white pieces, and 🇨🇳 Ding Liren plays black.
Are you team Ding or team Gukesh? 🤔 #DingGukesh pic.twitter.com/v0WOHMApkJ
Historical Context and Championship Pressure
Historically, if the score is tied at 4-4 after eight games, the defending champion retains the title. This adds additional pressure on Gukesh to break the deadlock and secure a lead. The Indian Grandmaster is aware of the challenge posed by Ding, who is renowned for his strategic brilliance in critical moments.
Which Ding are you today? #DingGukesh
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 6, 2024
📷 Eng Chin An and Maria Emelianova pic.twitter.com/Nf7tHUT00P
Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen weighed in on the contest, stating, “I think we have finally reached the moment when Gukesh is no longer the favorite in this tie. Both have a 50 percent chance now.”
The Path Ahead
If the score remains tied after 14 rounds, faster time controls will be employed to determine the winner. In such scenarios, Ding Liren is considered to have an advantage due to his proficiency in shorter-format games. Gukesh, however, remains determined to improve his performance in key moments.
👑 Chess Queens: A New Era 👑
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 7, 2024
Discover the stories of six trailblazing Women's World Chess Champions who redefined the game of chess!
📜 Xie Jun: The first Chinese Champion and two-time titleholder.
♟️ Susan Polgar: The oldest Polgar sister and a dominant force in the 1990s.
🏆… pic.twitter.com/TK988fXg9w
In the ninth game, Gukesh had an opportunity to put pressure on his opponent with a strong 20th move, but Ding’s surprising counter left the Indian Grandmaster reeling. As the championship progresses, all eyes will be on the 10th game to see who takes the lead in this fiercely contested battle.
High Stakes and Great Expectations
Gukesh, a pivotal player in India’s historic Chess Olympiad title win, will need to draw on his resilience and tactical prowess to outwit Ding in the coming rounds. The 10th game promises to be a decisive moment in the championship, with both players desperate to gain the upper hand in their quest for glory.