Game 3: World Chess Championship – D Gukesh v/s Ding Liren

Venue: Sentosa Resort, Singapore
Date: 27 November 2024

Photo credit: Maria Emelianova for FIDE

In a stunning turn of events, young Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh defeated reigning world champion Ding Liren in Game 3 of the World Chess Championship, tying the score at 1.5 points apiece with 11 games still to be played. After his unexpected loss in the opening game, Gukesh has made a remarkable comeback, and with this victory, the momentum has decisively shifted in his favour.

Opening Phase: Strategic Preparation and Time Pressure

Playing with the white pieces, Gukesh chose the Exchange Variation of the Queen’s Gambit Declined, leading the game into a well-known line played in the 2023 World Rapid Team Championship by Vladimir Kramnik and Arjun Erigaisi. The challenger demonstrated his deep preparation, keeping the champion on edge from the very beginning.

By move 13, Ding was out of his preparation and forced to rely on over-the-board calculation. His attempts to find the correct continuation led to significant time pressure, as he fell behind on the clock by nearly an hour—a critical disadvantage in such a high-stakes match.

Middlegame Brilliance: Gukesh Gains the Edge

Recognising the shifting dynamics, Gukesh took nearly 45 minutes on move 14 to calculate a precise plan. He executed the brilliant sequence of 14.Nd2 followed by 15.g5, leaving Ding’s position in shambles. The attack left Black’s pieces disorganised and forced Ding to expend additional time trying to salvage his position.

Although Ding managed to stave off immediate disaster, his troubles compounded when the danger of his bishop on c2 being trapped became imminent. In a desperate effort to stay in the game, the world champion sacrificed a piece for two pawns, creating some counterplay but failing to achieve full equality.

With time running critically low—just one minute to make nine moves—Ding struggled to maintain accuracy. Gukesh, calm under pressure, capitalised on the situation with precise and confident play, converting his advantage into a decisive win. Ding’s flag eventually fell, sealing the game in Gukesh’s favour.

A Nation Celebrates

The victory has sent waves of celebration across the country, with chess enthusiasts and fans hailing Gukesh’s remarkable performance. Social media platforms are flooded with congratulatory messages for the 18-year-old, who has become a symbol of the country’s burgeoning chess culture.

Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand praised Gukesh’s composure and tactical brilliance, calling the win “a watershed moment in Indian chess.” The match has captured the imagination of fans worldwide, as the young challenger has proven that he belongs at the highest level of the game.

The Road Ahead

With the score now tied at 1.5–1.5, 11 games remain in this gripping 14-game series. The momentum is firmly in Gukesh’s favour after back-to-back solid performances, especially following his unexpected loss in Game 1. Meanwhile, Ding must regroup quickly to reclaim his dominance and prevent Gukesh from widening the gap.

This victory marks a turning point in the championship, showcasing not just Gukesh’s resilience but also his potential to dethrone the reigning champion. The chess world awaits the next chapter in this thrilling contest as the Sentosa Resort continues to host this unforgettable battle of wits.

Stay tuned for updates and insights as the championship progresses!