In a stunning turn of events at the World Chess Championship 2024, Indian challenger Gukesh Dommaraju has taken a significant lead over reigning champion Ding Liren. During Game 11, which lasted nearly four hours, Gukesh triumphed after Ding made a critical blunder while under time pressure, giving Gukesh a 6-5 edge in the best-of-14 series. This victory places the 18-year-old from Chennai just one step away from potentially becoming the youngest undisputed world champion in chess history, eclipsing Garry Kasparov’s record.
Game Highlights
The match unfolded in Singapore, where Gukesh, playing as White, initiated with an unconventional move, 1. Kf3, while Ding responded with the ambitious 2…d4. This led to a sharp and dynamic game, a welcome change from the previous day’s mundane draw. Gukesh expressed confidence in his strategy, crediting his team for their preparation in this line.
Despite an early advantage, Ding found himself in a precarious position as he spent excessive time on his moves, falling more than an hour behind on the clock. Tension mounted as both players faced dwindling time, with Gukesh eventually burning through over an hour on a single move. The decisive moment came when Ding, with only seven minutes remaining, made a shocking move, 28…Qc8, which Gukesh seized upon, capturing the queen and prompting Ding to resign shortly thereafter.
Reaction and Implications
The aftermath of the game saw jubilant celebrations from Gukesh’s supporters, while Ding, visibly shaken, exited the stage swiftly. The reigning champion acknowledged the difficulty of the match, noting the pressures he faced throughout the game. Gukesh’s victory not only boosts his morale but also places him in a prime position to break Kasparov’s longstanding record.
Match Overview
The championship is structured as a series of 14 classical games, with players vying to reach 7.5 points to claim the title. The time control for each game allows for 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the remainder, with a 30-second increment after move 41. If the score is tied after all games, tiebreaks will be employed, which include rapid and blitz formats.
Upcoming Games
- Game 12: Ding Liren vs. Gukesh Dommaraju
- Game 13: Gukesh Dommaraju vs. Ding Liren
- Game 14: Ding Liren vs. Gukesh Dommaraju
- Tiebreaks: If necessary, will follow the final game.
As the competition continues, Ding must rally to secure victories in the remaining games to remain in contention for his title. Last year’s champion also faced challenges but managed to turn the tide in crucial moments, a feat he hopes to replicate as he prepares for the next match.
