Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju faced a tense moment but managed to secure a stress-free draw in the fifth game of his world championship match against Ding Liren. The match is currently tied at 2½-2½ in the $2.5 million showdown.
In a surprising move, Gukesh opted for the Exchange Variation in response to Ding’s French Defense, a passive opening that diverged from his usual aggressive style, especially when playing with the white pieces.
The World Chess Championship 2024 will see defending champion Ding Liren taking on rising star Gukesh Dommaraju in a best-of-14-games match at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore from 23 November to 15 December. The championship boasts a prize fund of $2.5 million (£1.98 million).
Ding Liren, who became China’s first men’s world chess champion last year, has faced personal challenges since winning the title, making him the underdog in his title defense. On the other hand, Gukesh shocked the chess world by winning the Candidates tournament at just 17 years old, earning him the title of the youngest ever challenger for the world championship.
The championship match will consist of 14 classical games, with each player earning points for wins and draws. The first player to reach seven and a half points will be declared the champion, with tiebreak games scheduled if necessary.
The schedule for the championship includes detailed rules for tiebreak games, ensuring a clear winner emerges. Players are also prohibited from agreeing to a draw before black’s 40th move, except in cases of threefold repetition or stalemate.
The competition schedule includes rest days and games starting at 5 pm local time in Singapore. Each game will hold its own suspense, leading up to the crowning of the new world champion.
In a recent match, the game ended in a draw after strategic play and precise maneuvers from both players. Despite the draw, players are eager to capitalize on future opportunities and improve their gameplay.
The World Chess Championship promises to deliver more thrilling games, with both players striving for victory and the prestigious title. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting matches in this high-stakes competition.
