Gukesh Levels World Chess Championship Final with Stunning Win Over Ding Liren

In a thrilling comeback, Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju secured his first win against defending champion Ding Liren in the third game of the World Chess Championship 2024 final, leveling the score at 1.5 points each. The 18-year-old grandmaster displayed remarkable resilience after an initial setback in the opening game.

Gukesh, playing with white pieces on Wednesday in Singapore, showcased his strategic brilliance. The game, which lasted just 37 moves, saw the Indian challenger dominate the board and the clock early on, putting immense pressure on his Chinese opponent. Liren, unable to match the pace, ran out of time after the 37th move—a rare occurrence in the 21st-century history of the World Chess Championship.

Reflecting on his victory, Gukesh expressed relief and pride during the post-match press conference. “It’s always nice to win a game, especially against such a strong opponent,” he remarked. “This win means a lot—it’s my first victory in a World Championship and a very important one. Although I was nervous in the first game, I knew I would find my rhythm.”

Gukesh’s initial game, where he played with black pieces, ended in a surprising defeat to the out-of-form Liren. However, he recovered quickly, drawing the second game before dominating the third. The young grandmaster credited his ability to adapt and settle into the high-stakes environment of the championship, drawing parallels to the early struggles of former champion Magnus Carlsen in his debut World Championship.

With his confidence soaring, Gukesh now looks poised to take the lead in the upcoming matches. Tipped as the favorite against a struggling Liren, the Indian sensation is determined to build on his momentum in Singapore and bring the World Championship title home.