Singapore, Dec 8 (IANS) After eight consecutive draws, Gukesh took the lead as he aims to become the youngest classical chess champion in history. After one of the most thrilling games of the match, in which both players spent almost an hour on the same move, he defeated champion Ding Liren and made the score 6–5 with only three games left.
“It was a very difficult game for me. Already on the fourth move, I was not sure whether I had made the right choice or not. I was played in the rapid tournament against GM Adhiban. Remembered one game, but I didn’t remember the other moves. I spent 40 minutes calculating some nonsense variations.”
On this occasion, time constraints were decisive. With only seven minutes left in the game, Ding made a mistake on the 28th move, dropping a pawn in a move combination. Instead of 28…Nb4, giving back his extra pawn with good draw chances, he played the losing 28…Qc8 and had to resign after 29.Qxc6.
Gukesh is very appreciative of his team of coaches: “Full congratulations to my team for their effort in preparing for this opening, which took my opponent by surprise. Then I did some stupid things, but I’m glad I made it. Was able to bring it back.
In an effort to remain positive, Ding Liren recalled that in the previous match, he managed to make a comeback in the twelfth game.
“In the last match I came back in the twelfth game, so I hope to play well tomorrow”.
–IANS
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