In a thrilling turn of events, D Gukesh clawed back with a draw against defending champion Ding Liren in the second game of the World Chess Championship 2024, held in Singapore on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
D Gukesh vs Ding Liren
- Gukesh’s Comeback: After losing the first game, Gukesh, playing with the black pieces, managed to secure a draw. This was a significant recovery, considering Ding Liren had taken an early lead in the championship.
- Game Dynamics: The game saw Gukesh adopting a solid defensive strategy, avoiding any risky moves. Ding Liren, on the other hand, played cautiously, not pressing too hard for a win.
- Final Result: The game ended in a draw after 23 moves, with both players agreeing to a repetition of moves. This result puts Ding Liren ahead with a score of 1.5-0.5 in the championship.
Post-Game Reactions
- Gukesh’s Perspective: “Draw with black in the world championship match is always nice and it’s too early, we still have a long match,” said Gukesh in the post-game press conference. He emphasized focusing on one game at a time and staying optimistic.
- Ding Liren’s View: Ding Liren expressed satisfaction with his performance, mentioning that he played a less common move (1.e4) and prepared extensively for the game.
This draw is a morale boost for Gukesh, who is the youngest-ever challenger in the history of the World Chess Championship. With the championship still wide open, both players will be looking to gain an edge in the upcoming games.
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