The fourth game of the 2024 World Chess Championship ended in a draw between Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren. The game, which lasted 42 moves, saw both players agreeing to a draw after a three-fold repetition in the endgame. This result keeps the match tied at 2 points each after four games.
Gukesh vs Ding Liren
Gukesh, at just 18 years old, is the youngest-ever challenger for the crown. He had previously won the third game on Wednesday, levelling the score after Ding Liren’s victory in the opening game and a draw in the second game. The draw in the fourth game means that both players are now tied at 2 points each, with a total of 14 rounds to be played in the championship.
The game began with Ding Liren employing an unusual set of opening moves, aiming to catch the opponent off-guard. Gukesh, however, spent extra time early in the game to counter Ding’s strategy and managed to neutralize the advantage. The game transitioned into a rook endgame with both players having one rook and four pawns each. Gukesh made a risky pawn move, but Ding managed to secure the draw.
Game 4 ended in a draw after 42 moves at the 2024 FIDE World Championship Match, presented by @Google.
♟ Match score: 2-2#DingGukesh
📷 Maria Emelianova pic.twitter.com/q7KU41GLCF— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) November 29, 2024
In the post-match comments, Gukesh said, “It was a solid game with black. Towards the end, I had some chances to press for a win, but with black, that’s all you expect in a match.” Ding Liren commented on his strategy, saying, “My aim was to take Gukesh out of his preparation and force him to spend more time on the board.”
The championship continues with the next round scheduled for Saturday. The first player to reach 7.5 points will be crowned the World Champion.
