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Fueled by ‘a small cup of espresso before the game’, Ding silenced all allegations of playing passively, as he pushed from the very beginning to pile the pressure on Gukesh.
Ding Liren at the World Chess Championship (X)
He said it, he did it. Defending Champion Ding Liren proved that he is a man of his word, as he clutched a dominant win over D Gukesh in Game 12 of the 2024 World Chess Championship to bring the match right back into contention at 6-6 with two games to go.
Liren, who suffered a devastating loss in Game 11 after an unforeseen blunder cost him the lead in the world championship for the first time, allowing the young Indian Challenger to edge out the Chinese GM by one point.
But, in similar fashion to last year’s Game 12 against Ian Nepomniachtchi, Liren came back with a vengeance, notching a near-flawless game with the white pieces to methodically dismantle Gukesh and tie up the finals once again.
“I thought I was quite comfortable out of the opening. But, after a while, I was not sure. The game became tricky for me then onwards, because I missed a few moves on the board,” Gukesh stated after his loss.
“This game was a bit of a disappointment for me. Luckily, I have a rest day tomorrow. But, the score is still tied, and this loss won’t be a huge blow to my chances. I’ll just try to play my best in the next two games.”
Fueled by ‘a small cup of espresso before the game’, Ding silenced all allegations of playing passively, as he pushed from the very beginning to pile the pressure on Gukesh.
The 18-year-old Indian staved off the defending champion to his best ability, but ultimately fell victim to his briliance, resigning with disdain to end the battle of wits today.
“It was an important Game 12. It was maybe the best game I have played in recent times,” stated a relieved Ding at the presser.
“I relied on my experience. I had find ideas to pose questions for my opponent, and push for a win. Also, I knew there was no chance for me to lose after I got the upper hand postitionally today.
“There was no way for me to settle for a draw.”
With a rest day ahead tomorrow, both players shall have one last chance to relax, recalibrate and regain their confidence, as the penultimate Game 13 shall commence on Thursday.
